NASHUA, N.H. — The Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter this week distributed nearly 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to Nashua students as they prepare for the new school year.
Each backpack contained an assortment of supplies valued at about $50 according to the organization.
“The cost of going back to school is especially hard this year,” said one mother picking up backpacks with her three children. “Sneakers can be 100 bucks, so getting these school supplies really helps, and it’s nice for the kids to have something new and all their own.”
This is the 31st year of the NSKS Backpacks for Back to School. Ledge Street Elementary School served as the operation’s base for three weeks before distribution day, as volunteer teams worked multiple shifts to fill bags and prepare for the event.
About 900 backpacks were distributed directly to schools and other agencies. The remaining backpacks were picked up in person at the school gymnasium.
Families lined up early, and a steady stream of students moved through the gymnasium throughout the morning. Volunteers and staff escorted each child past rows of backpacks stacked on tables so they could make their selection.
Some students quickly chose a favorite color or design. Others took their time, methodically examining the options to find the right backpack. Volunteers gave students the time and space to make that important decision for themselves.
High housing costs, inflation and tighter federal benefit requirements have strained many families, and demand for NSKS services is rising. Nashua’s public schools enroll about 9,600 students, meaning the nearly 2,000 backpacks distributed represent more than 20% of the district’s student population.
A recent Feeding America report found that child food insecurity in New Hampshire increased by more than 6%in one year. The report estimated that 16.3% of children in Hillsborough County experienced food insecurity.
“It is hard to keep up, and every bit of help matters,” one mother said as she left the school. “These backpacks are a nice break for my family.”
