Back-to-school season can be an expensive time for military families. From backpacks and notebooks to calculators and other classroom essentials, the costs can quickly add up.

To help ease that burden, Operation Homefront has officially opened registration for its annual Back-to-School Brigade® program, offering free backpacks and school supplies to military children at more than 50 events nationwide.

What Is the Back-to-School Brigade® Program?

The Back-to-School Brigade® is one of Operation Homefront’s most popular annual programs, helping military families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing free backpacks filled with essential school supplies.

With inflation and rising household expenses continuing to impact military families, this program helps ensure military children have the tools they need to start the school year confident and prepared.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility requirements may vary by event location, but the program generally serves military families, including:

• Active-duty service members
• National Guard members
• Reservists
• Wounded warriors
• Veterans (depending on event guidelines)

Families must register in advance and meet eligibility requirements for their local event.

More Than 50 Events Across the Country

This year, Operation Homefront will host more than 50 Back-to-School Brigade® events across the United States, making it easier for military families to access free school supplies in their local communities.

Events are expected to fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

How to Register

Military families can search for a participating event near them and complete the registration process online through Operation Homefront. To register for events, families must create an account or log into their existing MyOperationHomefront account.

Creating an account DOES NOT register you for an event. Once logged in, an event profile must be created under Upcoming Events on your main dashboard. Any events a family is eligible for will show on their dashboard with an option to register for the event after the event profile is created.

Find an event and register here:

https://operationhomefront.org/events/

Why Programs Like This Matter

Military families face unique challenges, including frequent PCS moves, deployments, and financial pressures. Programs like Back-to-School Brigade® help reduce some of the stress associated with preparing children for a new school year while ensuring students have the supplies they need to succeed.

For many families, the savings can make a meaningful difference, especially when purchasing supplies for multiple children.

Don’t Wait to Register

If you have school-aged children, now is the time to check for a Back-to-School Brigade® event near you. Registration is officially open, and supplies are limited.

MilitaryBridge is proud to share resources that support our military community and help military families save money throughout the year.

Know a military family who could benefit from this program? Share this article and help spread the word.