Long Island Parents Face Rising Back-to-School Costs

Long Island parents are reporting significant financial strain as they prepare for the 2026-27 school year, with some estimating costs of up to $500 to $700 per child for supplies.

A recent Good Morning America/Ipsos poll indicates that parents expect to spend an average of $885 per child, while the National Retail Federation estimates an average cost of $864.

Local nonprofits like Branches Long Island have seen demand for assistance surge, with the number of families served weekly rising from 35 in 2019 to 700 in 2026.