School supplies are an essential part of every student’s academic success. While many of us recall the excitement and anticipation of selecting school supplies each year, for many families, this is an added burden and financial stress.
CAC supports both the Northfield and Faribault school districts in different ways to get school supplies into the hands of children who need them. We cannot make these initiatives happen without the support of the community. And, we want to be sure families have the information they need to access these resources.
Operation Backpack - Northfield
Operation Backpack is a free community program that provides eligible Pre-K–12 students with a new backpack and grade-appropriate school supplies to help them start the school year ready to learn. Each year, the Operation Backpack Committee partners with Community Action Center to make the program possible.
It is available to students:
- Enrolled or live in the Northfield School District
- Those that could benefit from this free resource
Registration & Distribution
- Registration: Thursday, July 16th – Wednesday, August 12
- Distribution: August 19, 2026
If your child does not attend or live in the Northfield School District, please contact your school office to access school supply resources.
What Can Families Expect?
- Register online with your child’s information
- Select the appointment time that works best for you
- Distribution will take place at Northfield Community Resource Center (1651 Jefferson Parkway)
- NOTE: No postcard appointment reminders will be sent by mail this year.
Contact us at 507-664-3550 for assistance with your registration, questions, or to access other community resources.
Community Action Center is proud to partner with Faribault Public Schools and the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce to ensure Faribault Public Schools students start the school year equipped for success.
What Can Families Expect?
To ease the burden on local families, Faribault Public Schools has eliminated individual school supply lists for Preschool through 8th Grade.
- Supplies Ready in the Classroom: For FPS Pre-K through 8th grade students attending in-person classes, all essential school supplies will be provided directly in your child’s classroom on the first day of school!
- Program Costs:
- Families qualifying for educational benefits: Free (covered 100% thanks to generous community support)
- Families not qualifying for educational benefits: Asked to contribute $35 per student toward the cost of supplies
- Backpacks: A limited supply of backpacks will be available during school Open House / Meet-and-Greet events
Why This Program Matters
We know families are feeling the squeeze. Currently, 68% of kids in Faribault Public Schools come from low-income households.
Buying back-to-school supplies creates significant financial stress for families. When kids show up without the items they need, it creates extra pressure on teachers, who often buy classroom supplies out of their own pockets. School Supplies for All ensures that every child enters the classroom ready to learn on day one.
Questions?
If you have questions about the program or need assistance, please contact:
Amy Lunderby
Faribault Community Schools Special Projects Coordinator
Phone: 507-333-6040
Through the ability to bulk purchase, these supplies can be bought for less. We are asking our business community, service organizations, individuals, families, and churches to partner with us on this important work. We hope you will join our effort to ensure every child has the tools they need to be successful in school!
Your contributions ensure all of our students can start the school year prepared and ready to learn!
CAC’s vitality depends on the community — from volunteers to donations to program-specific support — so that we can continue to meet our neighbors’ basic needs.