Americans face higher back-to-school costs. Here’s what’s pricier.

As the back-to-school season nears, families are bracing for increased costs on supplies and lunches, with prices rising nearly 8% from last year, according to a study by The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative. The average family will spend about $4,000 per student, including $175 on school supplies and $3,800 on lunches. Items like notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards have seen significant price hikes, partly due to higher tariffs on imported goods and increased energy costs linked to conflicts in the Middle East. Companies like Newell Brands and Acco Brands have raised prices to offset these costs. Despite a slowdown in U.S. inflation in June, gas prices surged in July, further impacting the cost of school essentials. A survey by Credit Karma revealed that 45% of parents expect to face financial strain due to these rising expenses. QUESTION: How might the rising costs of school supplies and lunches impact students’ access to education and their overall school experience?