Jul 29, 2025 - Education

Where to find free school supplies in New Orleans

Kelly Tyko,
Chelsea Brasted

Illustration of a dollar made out of chalk on a chalkboard being erased — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Parents heading into the back-to-school season are facing rising prices and looming tariffs — forcing them to shop smarter and earlier.

Catch up quick: New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports — including backpacks, pens, binders and shoes — kicked in earlier this year and remain historically high.

By the numbers: Families with students in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey.

✏️ Free supplies: The Jugs Social Club has a school supply giveaway on Tuesday; state Rep. Delisha Boyd hosts one with Rep. Troy Carter on Friday; city officials also plan one Friday; and Victory Church has one Saturday.

Councilwoman Lesli Harris hosts a giveaway Aug. 9.

What major retailers are doing

Add Axios on Google

Where to find free school supplies in New Orleans

More New Orleans stories