In less than a month, children and teens across the five boroughs will head back to school for the 2026-2027 academic year. With New Yorkers strapped for groceries, healthcare and rent as federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid converge with historic rent prices, New Yorkers are looking for ways to save.

But this fall, the average family with K-12 students will spend more than $850 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. Fortunately, many organizations across the city are stepping up to give parents and children a helping hand.

amNewYork rounded up a list of back-to-school giveaways for New York City students and their families to snag some free backpacks and school essentials before the school year begins.

Manhattan

New York Restoration Project
Pick up a free backpack and school supplies in Inwood through a partnership with Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos. Children must be present to pick up supplies.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Noon – 2 p.m.
Riley-Levin Children’s Garden
3703 10th Ave.

Union Settlement
An annual giveaway in East Harlem where kids leave with a new backpack filled with school supplies.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Noon – 4 p.m.
237 East 104th St.

New York State of Mind
School supplies distribution while supplies last, with appearances from Alice in Wonderland characters.
Saturday, Aug. 29
2 – 4 p.m.
Target East Harlem Community Garden
417 East 117th St.

Bronx

The Mall at Bay Plaza
Check out Unity in the Bronx community health and safety event at the mall.
Friday, Aug. 14
2 – 6 p.m.
Food Court, Level 3
200 Baychester Ave.
*Tickets required

Baldor Cares from Baldor Specialty Foods
Free event with music, food, games, backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. Child must be present. 
Saturday, Aug. 15
Beginning at 10 a.m.
991 Longwood Ave.

Bronx Sunshine Garden 
Back to School Giveaway in the South Bronx hosted with Citizen Committee for New York City and Ralph Lauren.
Sunday, Aug. 16
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bronx Sunshine Garden
1768 Bryant Ave.

Welcome Back to School
NYC Parks Department back-to-school event with school supplies giveaways.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Noon – 2 p.m.
Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
3225 Reservoir Oval East

Back to School Health and Wellness Fair
Community event with games and snacks for all ages and a backpack giveaway from 4 – 5 p.m.
Monday, Auv. 31
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. with backpack handout from 4 -5 p.m.
Damiano Pizzaro Community Garden
580 Crotona Park 

Brooklyn

New York State of Mind
Superhero themed school supply giveaway with appearances by Supergirl, Superman and Captain America.
Saturday, Aug. 15
2 – 4 p.m.
Bushwick Playground
Knickerbocker Avenue between Putnam and Woodbine

Coney Island Prep
800 backpack giveaway and resource fair with music, food and activities for kids.
Saturday, Aug. 15
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kaiser Park
Neptune Avenue at W. 25th Street

SD-19 Back-to-School Giveaway
Hosted by State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud 
Tuesday, Aug. 18
1 – 4 p.m.
Canarsie Park
Seaview Avenue and Remsen Avenue, near East 88th street 

New York Restoration Project
Advance registration for backpack giveaway is full, but walkups may also collect backpacks while supplies last. 
Friday, Aug. 21
Noon – 2 p.m.
Essex Street Community Garden
3030 Fulton St.

Queens

King Manor 
Backpack giveaway at historic manor in Jamaica.
Saturday, Aug. 15
1 – 4 p.m.
King Manor Museum
150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica

New York Restoration Project
Online registration for backpack giveaway in Far Rockaway available. Children must be present to pick up supplies.  
Sunday, Aug. 16
3 – 5 p.m.
Seagirt Boulevard Community Garden
30-03 Seagirt Blvd., Far Rockaway.

New York Restoration Project
Advance registration for backpack giveaway is full, but walkups may also collect backpacks while supplies last. 
Sunday, Aug. 16
Noon – 2 p.m.
50 Cent Community Garden
117-15 165th St., Jamaica.