As students gear up to return to school, many Canadian families are feeling the pinch of rising costs, leading to tough decisions on spending priorities. According to NerdWallet, 92% of parents will shop for back-to-school essentials this year, with nearly half expecting to spend over $500. The Retail Council of Canada reports that most of this spending is directed toward stationery, clothing, and books.
However, the pressure of back-to-school expenses is causing some families to sacrifice other areas of their budget, including wellness spending. Health and wellness purchases, which saw a boom during the pandemic, are now being sidelined as families focus on immediate needs like school supplies. John Graham of the Retail Council of Canada notes that inflation is driving households to be more mindful of their spending, often at the expense of wellness investments.
In response to these challenges, community-driven initiatives are stepping in to fill the gap. Christine Stacey and her daughter Brianna have started a backpack drive to help struggling families, recognizing that for some, these added costs are overwhelming. Similarly, the Community Education Development Association (CEDA) offers programs that provide school supplies and other resources to low-income students, aiming to reduce financial barriers and ensure kids are ready to learn.
As families adjust their budgets to accommodate back-to-school costs, wellness spending may take a backseat, highlighting the need for community support and innovative solutions to maintain a balanced approach to health and education.
