Over 4,000 Students Near Rochester Need Backpacks and School Supplies in 2026
Back-to-school shopping season is here, and for many families across Southeast Minnesota, it might be exciting to see all of the new items at the stores. But this is a time when many families struggle the most with finances...especially if they have more than one child going back to school.
Everything adds up...and fast. The backpacks, notebooks, clothes, calculators, and everything else on the school supply list. While many parents are filling shopping carts at Walmart or strolling through the Target aisles, thousands of families are wondering how they'll afford even the basics.
Last year in Southeast Minnesota, about 3,600 students needed help with school supplies. But for the 2026-2027 school year, over 4,000 students are expected to need help getting all of the supplies on those "back-to-school" supply lists.
The good news? Helping kids in our community is easier (and a lot more affordable) than you might think.
Back-To-School Costs Continue To Put Pressure On Families In Southeast Minnesota
According to the National Retail Federation, families are spending hundreds of dollars getting their kids ready for a new school year. The average household is spending way over $800 for new clothes, shoes, backpacks, classroom supplies, and any of the electronics needed.
For families who are already struggling to put food on the table and pay all of their bills, the extra expenses during the back-to-school season can be overwhelming. This has even led to quite a few parents in the Rochester area cutting back on everyday necessities, like food, just to "afford" those required school supplies.
Running Start For School Has Been Helping Local Students Since 1998
For about three decades, United Way of Southeast Minnesota has helped make sure that students in the Olmsted County area begin the school year with the supplies they need through its Running Start For School program.
In its initial year, about 500 kids received the school supplies they needed. Today, the Running Start for School program has grown into one of the region's largest back-to-school initiatives where kids are supplied a backpack full of supplies that they need.
The Easiest Way To Help A Local Student Near Rochester, Minnesota
Making a difference for a child near Rochester only takes a few minutes.
STEP ONE: Check out the Roonga website, you will see the following 4 items that are still needed:
- Pre-K Backpack and School Supply Kit - a pack that will supply one student for the year is $7.99. (76 are currently needed)
- Elementary Backpack and School Supply Kit - a pack that will supply one student for the year is $13.08 (421 are still needed)
- Middle School Backpack and Supplies - a pack that will supply one student for the year is $12.00 (393 are still needed)
- High School Backpack and Supplies - a pack that will supply one student for the year is $17.05 (250 still needed)
You simply add this to your cart, pay for it online, and you just helped a child in our area have what they need for their 2026-2027 school year!
STEP TWO: Volunteers pack and organize every backpack for all 4,000+ students who are in need in our area. Learn more about volunteer shifts here.
STEP THREE: Volunteers help pack up the backpacks and deliver the boxes to the partnering schools and organizations.
Before those volunteers can deliver the backpacks with all of the school supplies, someone first has to buy one. That's where you come in. Just go to the Roonga website, find the age group that you'd like to buy a backpack and supplies for, and click play. It's that easy!
How Do I Get My Family Signed Up for Free School Supplies?
If your family could use help with school supplies, please reach out to your child's school directly. They are the best contact for this request.
The schools that will be supplied items from this Running Start for School campaign include the following:
- Beacon Academy
- Byron Public Schools
- Chatfield Public Schools
- Pine Island Public Schools
- Rochester Catholic Schools
- Rochester Math and Science Academy
- Rochester Public Schools
- Rochester Middle School Right Fit
- Rochester MNSync Online School
- Stewartville Public Schools
Do you have an event coming up in Southeast Minnesota?
Every year, we help the community in a variety of ways from supporting local fundraisers, to running daily public service messages, to creating digital community campaigns and hosting events attended by thousands. Learn more about how Townsquare Media Cares here.
If you have an event coming up or work for a nonprofit in Southeast Minnesota, I'd love to learn more! Send me a note at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com or on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams
