The Voluntary Action Center hosts the annual Back-to-School program with changes

COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMIZ)

The Voluntary Action Center launched its Back-to-School program on Monday, providing school supplies to needy students in the Boone County area.

This is the first year that the VAC will be distributing backpacks filled with essential school supplies for several weeks. Instead of a one-day resource fair like they’ve held before, this event will run through August 30th.

VAC Marketing Coordinator Rachel McCain is pleased with the change.

“The changes we are making actually better meet the needs of the people we serve, and I look forward to seeing how many people we can help,” McCain said.

When you add up the prices on the school supply lists from three different schools in Boone County, the total cost of school supplies can be quite high. In elementary school alone, the average price per child ranged from $33.50 to $76.75 for grades 1-10, $56 to $81 for grades 2-3, and $48.50 to $78.87 for grades 4-5. And that doesn’t even include the additional cost of new clothing or electronics.

“Back-to-school season in general can be expensive, especially when you have multiple children,” McCain said. “So with this program, we can meet one of those needs and make sure all of the children in Boone County are well prepared and ready to go.”

Families eligible for the program are Boone County residents with children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Parents must also meet the income criteria of 200% of the federal poverty level.

Families participating in the VAC program also receive a coupon to The Wardrobe, a local thrift store that partners with VAC, where families can purchase free clothing on select days. The Wardrobe also offers a deal every six months where guardians can purchase a $40 Shoe Carnival coupon for just $5 to help reduce the cost of new shoes for their children.

Eligible families can visit or call the VAC office.

Donors who would like to support the VAC or donate can find out more on the VAC website or drop off non-perishable food items at the food bank.