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Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in Mississippi [2025 Edition]

Last updated: September 2025

This Mississippi-specific hub shows where to get free backpacks, school supplies, and related support—fast. Keep this page open while you call, click, and apply. Use the emergency actions first, then work the rest of the guide. You’ll see official links and phone numbers throughout, including to the state’s human services agency and education department. For quick referrals any hour, use the statewide hotline at 211 Mississippi Helpline and the searchable tool at Find Help Mississippi. (myunitedway.com)


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call now for a live referral: dial 2-1-1 for 211 Mississippi Helpline and say “school supplies and backpack events.” Ask for upcoming “Stuff the Bus,” Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, and church distribution dates. Use the web search at Find Help Mississippi if lines are busy. (myunitedway.com)
  • Ask your school today: email or call your school office and the district’s McKinney‑Vento Homeless Education liaison for emergency supplies and fee waivers. If you don’t know who the liaison is, contact the state coordinator via the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Homeless Education page or call 601-359-3499 for help finding your district contact. Also ask the cafeteria manager about meal status via MDE Office of Child Nutrition and the current application link. (mdek12.org)
  • Use the state Sales Tax Holiday if it’s still active or plan for next July: during the 2025 holiday (July 11–13), clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100 per item are tax‑free. Keep the official PDF guide handy and buy core items first. See Mississippi Department of Revenue: 2025 Sales Tax Holiday and the PDF for eligible items and rules. (dor.ms.gov)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Get Free Backpacks and School Supplies Fast

Start with the organizations most likely to have a pallet of supplies ready to distribute. Then fill gaps using your school’s support channels and statewide programs. Save your receipts for exchanges during the tax holiday window, and file any school forms immediately. For quick verification, use Find Help Mississippi and call 211 Mississippi the same day you apply. (mhanet.org)

United Way and Community “Stuff the Bus” Drives

The Stuff the Bus campaign runs across Mississippi every July and early August. It’s the most reliable large‑scale source of free backpacks. United Way sites coordinate collection days at local Walmarts and drop‑off points, then allocate backpacks through schools or direct distribution days. Check your regional United Way page and news updates for dates and pickup rules. See United Way of East Mississippi — Stuff the Bus news and contacts and coverage from WTOK of Kemper/Lauderdale events; also call the Gulf Coast, Capital Area, and Southeast Mississippi offices for your county. (uwem.org)

  • Eligibility: walk‑up; kids usually must be present. Ask about ID or district residency if there’s a line. Use United Way of East Mississippi or United Way of the Capital Area to confirm your county. (uwem.org)
  • How to apply: some sites require quick on‑site forms; others are first‑come, first‑served. If you miss a giveaway day, ask United Way to connect you to a partner church that still has backpacks. Check United Way of South Mississippi and United Way of Southeast Mississippi for late‑season distributions. (unitedwaysm.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: call 2‑1‑1 and ask for “church back‑to‑school bash” events; WTOK and WLOX post local dates (e.g., Gulfport Back‑to‑School Bash and Hattiesburg rallies). Ask your school counselor if any donated supplies remain on campus. See local coverage of Gulfport’s city event and Hattiesburg church giveaways. (wlox.com)

Salvation Army “Walmart Stuff the Bus” and Local Back‑to‑School Bashes

Salvation Army partners with Walmart stores nationwide for “Stuff the Bus.” Many Mississippi Corps units assist with collection and local distribution through schools and partner agencies. Use the national page to find your Corps’ event or registry and ask your local Corps about backpack pickup windows. See The Salvation Army — Walmart Stuff the Bus and check nearby news if your local Corps page isn’t updated. (salvationarmyusa.org)

  • Eligibility: most sites serve K‑12; child often must be present for pick‑up. Use the Corps locator on the national page, or ask United Way of East Mississippi for the Salvation Army contact in your county. (salvationarmyusa.org)
  • How to apply: event‑day line, brief sign‑in, then distribution until supplies run out. Keep your school ID or proof of enrollment handy. If your area doesn’t list an event, ask your nearest Corps for “back‑to‑school assistance.” (salvationarmyusa.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: call your Boys & Girls Club unit and ask about any remaining backpacks or supply closets. See Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi and the Gulf Coast parent portal for site phone numbers. (bgccm.club)

Boys & Girls Clubs (Club‑Based Giveaways and Ongoing Help)

Clubs often host supply days or keep a small stock for members. Call the site closest to you to ask about non‑member pickup rules and dates. Start with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi (Jackson area) and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast (multiple units). If you’re outside those areas, 211 can tell you which Club serves your county. (bgccm.club)

  • Eligibility: varies; some events are open to the public, others to members. Ask about scholarship membership if you need after‑school care. Use the Club’s parent portal or call the unit directly (e.g., Forest Heights unit: 228‑868‑2526). (parentportal.bgcgulfcoast.org)
  • How to apply: call the front desk, ask “Do you have backpacks or a supply closet this week?” and request a pickup time. Provide child’s name, school, and grade. (bgccm.club)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: head to your school counselor and district social worker; ask about MDE Homeless Education resources and Title I family resource closets. Use the MDE Title IX, Part A (Homeless) page to reach the state coordinator if you can’t find your local liaison. (mdek12.org)

Food Banks with “Backpack” and School Pantry Programs

Weekend food “backpack” programs won’t give notebooks, but they free up your budget fast. Ask your school if it partners with Mississippi Food Network. Its BackPack and School Pantry programs send kid‑friendly food home weekly or stock on‑campus pantries. See the Mississippi Food Network — Programs page and the Junior League/Backpack partnership in Jackson. (msfoodnet.org)

School Districts, MDE Child Nutrition, and McKinney‑Vento

Ask your district if it provides core supplies to classrooms, or runs a “teacher closet” that can help your child. At minimum, each district has a McKinney‑Vento liaison who must remove barriers for students in unstable housing. That can include supplies, uniforms, and help with enrollment. Start with district websites, then escalate to the state coordinator via MDE Homeless Education. For lunch applications and CEP (community eligibility) information, use MDE Office of Child Nutrition and the application portal. (mdek12.org)

  • Eligibility: any family can ask the principal for help; MKV services are for any student lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Meal benefits follow USDA’s 2025–26 guidelines. (mdek12.org)
  • How to apply: email your principal and counselor today. Subject line “Back‑to‑School Supplies Request — [Child Name], [Grade].” For meals, complete the district’s online application listed on MDE’s Free/Reduced‑Price Meals page. (mdek12.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: contact the state MKV coordinator (601‑359‑3499) and request liaison support; follow up with the MDE Child Nutrition office for meal eligibility concerns. (mdek12.org)

Your Calendar: Mississippi’s Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday (Save on Supplies)

Use this window to stretch your dollars. The official state PDF rules decide what’s covered.

Dates Covered Items Price Cap Where to Find Rules
July 11–13, 2025 Clothing, footwear, and school supplies Under $100 per item MS Dept. of Revenue — 2025 Sales Tax Holiday and Official PDF list
  • Key rule: each item must be under $100; shipping doesn’t count toward the cap; sets must be sold as a unit. The official PDF lists eligible school supplies (e.g., backpacks, binders, crayons). (dor.ms.gov)
  • Plan B if you missed it: ask a school social worker about leftover donations; check local church bashes (e.g., Gulfport and Hattiesburg events often run into August), and call your United Way. See WLOX Gulfport coverage and WDAM Hattiesburg events. (wlox.com)

State and Federal Programs That Indirectly Free Cash for Supplies

Small benefits that arrive quickly can free 40–40–100 for notebooks and clothes. Apply as soon as you can.

School Meals and the 2025–26 Income Guidelines (Lunch and Breakfast)

If your child qualifies for free or reduced‑price meals, you’ll save on groceries and stretch your school budget. Use the state application via MDE Office of Child Nutrition and check USDA’s 2025–26 income guideline chart to see where your household fits. As of July 1, 2025, a family of three qualifies for free meals at roughly 2,888/month,andreduced‑priceatabout2,888/month, and reduced‑price at about 4,109/month; your district can confirm. Keep a copy of your approval email. (fns.usda.gov)

  • Eligibility: income thresholds change yearly; CEP schools may feed all students at no charge, which removes the application step for families at those schools. Check your campus CEP status with the district or MDE OCN. See USDA FNS 2025–26 notice and the MDE child nutrition pages. (fns.usda.gov)
  • How to apply: complete your district’s online meal form (often via LINQ/MySchoolApps). If your school is CEP, the office will tell you no application is needed. (mdek12.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: ask the cafeteria manager for a paper form or a language‑specific form; MDE provides LEP assistance. Email gpadilla@mdek12.org from the MDE Child Nutrition page for language help. (mdek12.org)

TANF Cash Aid (Bridge Money for Required Supplies)

If your income is very low and you’re caring for a child, apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The quickest way is online via MDHS TANF. Non‑parent relative caregivers can qualify for a child‑only case (e.g., 200/monthforonechild;200/month for one child; 236 for two; $260 for three), which can cover school basics while you stabilize work. Use the county office locator on MDHS Contact if you need in‑person help. (mdhs.ms.gov)

  • Eligibility: at least one child under 18 in the home; very low income; limited assets. Most adults must complete a TANF interview and enroll in the TANF Work Program. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • How to apply: apply online at ACCESS MS, then watch for your interview notice. Keep your ID, Social Security cards, income proof, and lease/utility bill ready. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: call MDHS Economic Assistance at 1‑800‑948‑3050 and ask for a same‑week interview slot if you missed your call. Consider SNAP for groceries to free cash for supplies at MDHS SNAP. (mdhs.ms.gov)

LIHEAP Energy Help (Prevents Shutoff So You Can Buy Supplies)

If a utility bill is crowding out supply money, apply for the Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Submit the pre‑application online, then your Community Action Agency will schedule your appointment. Priority households (elderly, disabled, or with a child under 5) should get appointments within 30 business days; others within 45 days. Apply via MDHS LIHEAP and get phone help through MDHS Community Services at 1‑800‑421‑0762. (mdhs.ms.gov)

  • Eligibility: income at or below 60% of state median; you must have an energy bill in your or your landlord’s name; funding is limited. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • How to apply: apply online, then attend your appointment with photo IDs, Social Security cards, income proof, and current utility bill. Ask for crisis help (ECIP) if shutoff is imminent. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: contact your utility’s customer service and your district of the Mississippi Public Service Commission — Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights. You have disconnect protections, a five‑day written notice rule, payment plan rights, and weather protections. (psc.ms.gov)

Mississippi School Shots and Records (Because Many Giveaways Are Held at Schools)

Before school starts, kids need immunization compliance (Form 121). Seventh‑graders need a Tdap booster if they haven’t had one since age seven. You can print Form 121 via MyIR, or visit county health departments; MSDH runs special walk‑in “Back‑to‑School” clinics with low‑cost administration fees. See MSDH School Immunizations and the clinic schedule page for this summer’s dates. (msdh.ms.gov)

  • Plan B: if your child is behind on shots and clinics are full, call 855‑767‑0170 to schedule a catch‑up appointment at your county clinic. Ask your school nurse for local free vaccine days. See MSDH School Immunizations for contact options. (msdh.ms.gov)

Local Giveaways, Churches, and Community Events (Real‑World Examples)

You’ll see frequent July–August “Back‑to‑School Bash” events with backpacks, haircuts, and food. Examples from 2025 include Hattiesburg’s Shady Grove Baptist (500+ backpacks) and the City of Gulfport’s Back‑to‑School Bash. Use local TV sites and Facebook for new dates, then confirm by phone before you drive. See WDAM — Shady Grove giveaway and WLOX — Gulfport bash. (wdam.com)

Where to Ask for School Uniforms and Clothing

Many districts or partner nonprofits keep uniform closets. In Jackson, the district points families to a Uniform Assistance program—ask your principal and the Partners in Education office, which also runs the PIE Store for teachers. For general clothing, try the Good Samaritan Center in Jackson. See Jackson Public Schools Back‑to‑School Guide (Uniforms) and Good Samaritan Center (contacts). (jackson.k12.ms.us)

K‑12 Supplies Lists and How to Stretch Them

Districts publish grade‑by‑grade lists. DeSoto County posts detailed lists each spring; Jackson media also republish K‑5 checklists. Tip: buy tax‑free basics first (paper, pencils, notebooks, backpack), then ask the teacher which items can wait. See the DeSoto County Schools Supply Lists page and the Mississippi Free Press K‑5 lists. (desotocountyschools.org)

  • Plan B: if your list is heavy on cleaning supplies, ask the teacher which classroom items are “nice to have” versus “need now.” Ask your school if Title I funds or a “teacher closet” can cover a portion of the list. Use MDE Child Nutrition or United Way of the Capital Area to ask about local teacher closets. (mdek12.org)

Mississippi Organizations That Help (Backpacks, Food, or Referral Support)

Organization What they do How to contact
United Way of the Capital Area 211 referrals; Stuff the Bus partners 2‑1‑1 or 1‑866‑472‑8265; office 601‑948‑4725
United Way of East Mississippi Stuff the Bus; partner agency network 601‑693‑2732
United Way of South Mississippi Gulf Coast backpack events 228‑896‑2213
United Way of Southeast Mississippi Hattiesburg/Pine Belt referrals 601‑545‑7141
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi Supply days for members; ask about public events 601‑969‑7088
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast Multiple units; call your site 228‑896‑3770
Mississippi Food Network BackPack & School Pantry Use website contact
The Salvation Army — Walmart Stuff the Bus National collection; local distribution Use Corps locator

(uwem.org)

Teacher‑Powered Supply Programs You Can Ask About

Ask your child’s teacher whether the school or a teacher applied for a national supply shipment. The Kids In Need Foundation ships semester‑long supply boxes to teachers at high‑need schools and can support classroom stock that helps all students. Look for programs like “Supply A Teacher,” and ask the teacher to check eligibility. See Kids In Need Foundation — Supply A Teacher and teacher info at KINF Teachers page. (kinf.org)

  • Tip: after you enroll your child, email the teacher “We’re working through supplies. If your class receives a KINF box, can my child borrow items until we catch up?” Teachers often say yes when there’s shared stock. (kinf.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: ask about your district’s teacher closet or the local Junior League school pantry partnership (e.g., Jackson’s program with Mississippi Food Network). See Junior League of Jackson — Backpack & School Pantry. (junior-league-of-jackson.mailchimpsites.com)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping 211 and local United Way calls: you’ll miss last‑minute church or club giveaways. Call 211 Mississippi and your regional United Way office each week in July and August. (myunitedway.com)
  • Waiting to apply for LIHEAP or TANF: slots and funds are limited. Apply at MDHS LIHEAP and MDHS TANF. Missing a notice or interview causes long delays. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Not asking the school for help: principals and counselors can waive classroom extras, connect you to MKV support, and submit pantry requests. Start at your school office and the MDE Homeless Education page if needed. (mdek12.org)
  • Shopping outside the tax‑free rules: if an item is $100 or more, you’ll pay tax on the entire item. Read the state PDF list before you shop. See DOR Sales Tax Holiday. (dor.ms.gov)

Reality Check — Funding and Timing

  • Reality check: most giveaways run out within hours, and some events require kids to be present. Always ask “what time do tickets wristbands start?” and arrive early. Use United Way East Mississippi and local news calendars to plan your day. (uwem.org)
  • Reality check: state agencies and districts are overwhelmed in late July. Expect phone waits and 10–15 business days for non‑crisis verifications on local forms. For energy help, appointment windows are up to 30–45 business days as posted. Check MDHS LIHEAP timelines and call to confirm availability. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Reality check: Mississippi did not implement Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) in 2025, so summer grocery money wasn’t available statewide. Expect heavier demand at food banks and backpack events. See reporting from Mississippi Today and Pine Belt news partners. (mississippitoday.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Mississippi Today

If a power bill threatens your school budget, take these steps the same day.

  • Ask for a payment plan: utilities must accept payments and give at least five days’ written notice before shutoff. Review your rights on the Mississippi Public Service Commission — Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights. (psc.ms.gov)
  • Use LIHEAP and crisis help: submit your application at MDHS LIHEAP. Ask the Community Action Agency about ECIP (crisis) and get them to notify your utility. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Document medical needs and heat protections: if anyone in the home has a documented life‑threatening condition, send the doctor’s note; winter and heat protections may pause disconnections. See PSC rights and LIHEAP disconnect notes. (psc.ms.gov)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: call your PSC district office (consumer lines listed on PSC site) and ask for help before the cut‑off date. Keep confirmation numbers from every call. See PSC Bill of Rights. (psc.ms.gov)

Resources by Region (Mississippi)

Region Where to call first Typical support Links
Jackson / Central (Hinds, Madison, Rankin) United Way of the Capital Area 211 referrals; Stuff the Bus partners; uniform help via JPS JPS Partners in Education, MDHS county offices
East MS (Lauderdale, Clarke, Kemper, Neshoba) United Way of East Mississippi Stuff the Bus; partner agencies; volunteer hub WTOK Stuff the Bus news, UWEM Education page
Gulf Coast (Harrison, Hancock, Jackson) United Way of South Mississippi Backpack events and partner churches Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, City of Gulfport Back‑to‑School Bash
Pine Belt / Hattiesburg area United Way of Southeast Mississippi Church bashes; free haircuts; backpacks WDAM events roundup, Shady Grove giveaway
North MS (DeSoto, Marshall, Lafayette) 211 Mississippi Supply lists; county‑level drives DeSoto County supply lists, BGC units

(myunitedway.com)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need First call/click Backup
Backpack today 211 Mississippi Regional United Way office
Next backpack event UW county office page Church bash on local TV calendars
Shoes/uniforms School counselor; JPS Uniform Assistance Good Samaritan Center
School meals MDE Child Nutrition District cafeteria manager
Utility crowding your budget MDHS LIHEAP PSC Bill of Rights

(myunitedway.com)

Application Checklist (Print or Screenshot)

  • Photo ID for adult: driver’s license or state ID; if none, ask for alternatives on MDHS TANF apply page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Child’s proof: school ID, enrollment letter, or birth certificate; order records via MSDH Vital Records during summer one‑stop events. (msdh.ms.gov)
  • Income proof: recent pay stubs, award letters (SSI/SSDI), or unemployment letters for LIHEAP or TANF; see MDHS LIHEAP. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Current utility bill: required for LIHEAP; bring landlord note if the bill is in the landlord’s name per MDHS guidance. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • School meal form: if required, complete via your district link on MDE Free/Reduced‑Price Meals. (mdek12.org)
  • Backpack event flyer: many events require the child to be present; keep your flyer or text confirmation from United Way. (uwem.org)

Diverse Communities — Targeted Tips and Contacts

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: ask your school for a confidential point of contact and zero‑tolerance policy info. For advocacy or safe‑space referrals, use ACLU of Mississippi and find local support through PFLAG’s chapter finder. For supplies, your access is the same: United Way events and school closets. Verify event details through 211 Mississippi. (myunitedway.com)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: request accommodations like large‑print forms or curbside pickup; 711 relay is accepted. For family support and special‑education navigation, contact Families as Allies (FAAMS) and ask your district’s special services office. For benefits or equipment not covered elsewhere, explore Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) and ask for language or auxiliary aids. Use Find Help Mississippi to search “disability services.” (mhanet.org)
  • Veteran single mothers: ask your local VA community resource office about school‑age support and military family events. Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade serves DEERS‑enrolled dependents; check the events page and filter by Mississippi or nearby bases such as NCBC Gulfport. See Operation Homefront — Back‑to‑School Brigade and the base MWR page for announcements. (operationhomefront.org)
  • Immigrant and refugee single moms: request translated school meal forms and interpreter support from your district or MDE Child Nutrition. For legal or language access help, contact statewide nonprofits like Mississippi Center for Justice and use Find Help Mississippi for ESL classes and assistance. (mhanet.org)
  • Tribal communities: contact your local school liaison and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Education programs for on‑reservation resources. Pair tribal services with public school supports and MDE Child Nutrition. Check base or community posts for Operation Homefront if your family has military ties. See Operation Homefront. (operationhomefront.org)
  • Rural single moms: transportation is the main barrier. Ask United Way for mail‑out or school‑delivered supplies and coordinate with your bus driver for pantry backpacks. See HappyHealthy (MSU Extension) — Backpack Food Programs fact sheet and call your school about the Mississippi Food Network’s School Pantry. Use Find Help Mississippi to search “transportation” or “gas cards.” (happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu)
  • Single fathers: every program listed is available to dads and legal guardians, too. For custody or support questions that affect benefits, call MDHS Child Support and ask 211 for legal aid referrals in your county. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Language access: ask agencies for interpreters or translated forms. MDE Child Nutrition lists LEP assistance; United Way can route calls in many languages. Use MDE Child Nutrition and 211 Mississippi. (mdek12.org)
  • Accessibility notes: request large‑print applications, curbside pickup at events, and wheelchair‑friendly lines. If you can’t stand for long, ask for a “medical accommodation” line at church or community events and bring a doctor’s note if available. Use 211 Mississippi to pre‑screen. (myunitedway.com)

Step‑by‑Step: Your One‑Week Plan

Real‑World Examples You Can Replicate

  • East Mississippi: United Way of East Mississippi’s Stuff the Bus rotated through Kemper and Lauderdale counties with multiple drop‑off points; families picked up through schools and events. Ask your nearby United Way to mirror this model if your county lacked a stop. See WTOK coverage. (wtok.com)
  • Gulfport: the city’s Back‑to‑School Bash distributed supplies and resources at Orange Grove Community Center. Follow city social media for next year’s date. See WLOX story. (wlox.com)
  • Hattiesburg/Pine Belt: church‑led events and free haircut days covered backpacks and basics across multiple weekends. Use WDAM’s community listings to plan. See WDAM event roundup. (wdam.com)

Tables You Can Use While You Call

A. Eligibility Snapshot (Meals and Cash Helps)

Program Who it helps Where to apply
School Meals (NSLP/SBP) K‑12 students based on income or CEP school MDE Child Nutrition — Free/Reduced
TANF cash aid Very low‑income families and child‑only cases (relatives) MDHS TANF apply
LIHEAP/ECIP Income‑eligible households with energy bills MDHS LIHEAP

(mdek12.org)

B. Sales Tax Holiday Cheat Sheet (What’s Covered)

Item Covered? Notes
Backpacks, binders, paper, crayons Yes Under $100 per item
Clothing, shoes (non‑cleated) Yes Under $100 per item
Sports pads, skates, rentals No Not eligible
Shipping n/a Doesn’t count toward the $100 cap

See MS DOR 2025 PDF. (dor.ms.gov)

C. Regional United Way Contacts

Region Phone Web
Capital Area (Jackson) 601‑948‑4725 myunitedway.com
East MS (Meridian) 601‑693‑2732 uwem.org/contact
South MS (Gulfport) 228‑896‑2213 unitedwaysm.org/contact-us
Southeast MS (Hattiesburg) 601‑545‑7141 unitedwaysems.org/contact-us

(myunitedway.com)

D. School Shots — What to Know

Grade Required Where to confirm
First‑time MS school entry DTaP, IPV, Hep B, MMR, Varicella MSDH school immunizations
Entering 7th grade Tdap booster (if none since age 7) MSDH immunizations
Records Form 121 (MyIR) MSDH MyIR info / clinic schedule

(msdh.ms.gov)

E. Utility Protections to Remember

Protection What it means Source
Five‑day written notice Utility must give at least five days’ notice before cut‑off PSC Bill of Rights
No cut‑offs on weekends/holidays If the utility isn’t open to accept payment PSC Bill of Rights
Winter/medical protections Mid‑winter rule and medical‑necessity options PSC Bill of Rights

(psc.ms.gov)

If Your Application Gets Denied

  • Ask for a written reason: you have the right to an appeal. For TANF and SNAP, call MDHS Economic Assistance at 1‑800‑948‑3050; for LIHEAP, ask your Community Action Agency for re‑review and crisis options. Use MDHS Contact. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Fix missing documents fast: upload via ACCESS MS for TANF, or return LIHEAP papers to your CAA. Use MDHS TANF apply and LIHEAP page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Escalate school issues: if a school denies supplies or meal access in error, contact the district’s federal programs director and the state MKV coordinator listed on MDE’s homeless education page. (mdek12.org)

10 Mississippi‑Specific FAQs

  1. How do I find the next backpack giveaway near me?
    Use 211 Mississippi and your regional United Way. Ask about “Stuff the Bus” and church bashes listed on local TV sites (WTOK, WLOX, WDAM). (myunitedway.com)
  2. What if I missed the Sales Tax Holiday?
    Focus on essentials from clearance sections and ask teachers which items can wait. Many cities run August events like Gulfport’s bash. Review the state’s Sales Tax Holiday PDF for covered items and plan ahead. (dor.ms.gov)
  3. Do schools ever provide all supplies?
    Some districts stock classrooms or maintain teacher closets through partners (e.g., PIE Store in Jackson). Ask your principal and counselor first, then MDE Child Nutrition for meal help that frees cash. (jackson.k12.ms.us)
  4. Are my kids guaranteed free lunch this year?
    Not automatically. Many schools use income‑based applications, while CEP campuses feed all students at no charge. Check your school status and use the state application on MDE’s Free/Reduced page. (mdek12.org)
  5. Can LIHEAP stop a shutoff this week?
    Apply and call your CAA about ECIP. Ask the utility for a payment plan while your application processes. Review your rights on the PSC Bill of Rights. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  6. Where do military families get backpacks?
    Register for Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade events; look for Gulf Coast listings associated with NCBC Gulfport. Check Operation Homefront events. (operationhomefront.org)
  7. Do any programs buy uniforms?
    Ask your school, PTA, and church partners; some districts (like JPS) coordinate uniform assistance. Call United Way of the Capital Area for uniform closet referrals. (jackson.k12.ms.us)
  8. Can teachers get free classroom supplies to share?
    Yes—KINF’s “Supply A Teacher” ships boxes to eligible schools. Ask your child’s teacher to apply through KINF. (kinf.org)
  9. Is there summer grocery help like P‑EBT in Mississippi?
    Mississippi did not implement USDA’s Summer EBT/SUN Bucks in 2025. Expect higher demand at pantries; ask your school for a summer feeding site and consider LIHEAP to free cash. See Mississippi Today. (mississippitoday.org)
  10. Who do I call if a backpack event turns me away?
    Ask why (capacity, residency, child not present). Then call 2‑1‑1 for a different site and email your school counselor to access any school‑based supply closet. Use 211 Mississippi. (myunitedway.com)

Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Este resumen fue traducido con herramientas de IA. Verifique siempre con las fuentes oficiales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational and not legal advice. Programs change based on funding and location. Always confirm availability, dates, and eligibility with the agency or organization directly, including MDHS, MDE, and your regional United Way. Benefits, event schedules, and policies can change at any time; call to confirm before you go. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Final tip

Keep a one‑page folder (digital or paper) with: your child’s school ID, Form 121, proof of residency, a copy of your meal application, and your weekly notes from 211 and United Way calls. Re‑use those documents for TANF, LIHEAP, and any local assistance. This single folder saves hours—and often gets you served faster at the door.

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