DALLAS — For the 28th year, the mayor of Dallas' office will host its annual Back to School Fair.
Mayor Eric Johnson will host the 28th annual fair alongside the City of Dallas, Dallas ISD and numerous nonprofits, companies and volunteers this Friday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Hall and the Automobile Building in Fair Park.
Students and families who live in the City of Dallas or who attend a Dallas ISD school in grades Pre-K to 12, and who are struggling financially are eligible for free supplies. In order to be eligible, parents had to register for the event by July 26, and prove their household income is equal to or less than the 2024 federal poverty guidelines.
According to the Texas Demographic Center, about 14% of Texans live in Poverty. The below chart shows the country's latest poverty guidelines, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Parents who missed the registration deadline for this year's Back to School Fair will still be able to purchase discounted back-to-school supplies in the coming weeks, as the state's annual tax-free weekend, during which sales tax does not apply to certain items, begins Friday, Aug. 9, and goes through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 11.
This year's first day of school for Dallas ISD is Aug. 12.
The need for school supplies reaches well beyond Dallas. In Fort Worth, a non-profit is helping teachers stock their classrooms with supplies ahead of the first day of school as well.