United Way initiative helps more than 800 Hunterdon County students start school with supplies, support

HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — More than 800 Hunterdon County children are beginning the new school year with backpacks, school supplies and connections to community resources through United Way of Hunterdon County’s Start School Strong initiative.

Now in its second year, Start School Strong has expanded beyond a traditional backpack giveaway into a series of Community Resource Days held throughout the county.

United Way partnered with schools, municipalities, health care providers, nonprofits and businesses to hold seven events in communities including Clinton, Milford, Glen Gardner and Flemington, bringing resources closer to families.

“Starting school should be exciting, not stressful,” said Jennifer Thompson, CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County. “We wanted families to leave with more than supplies. We wanted them to leave knowing their community is behind them, that help is available when they need it, and that every child deserves the opportunity to start the year feeling confident and prepared.”

During the seven events, 803 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed, representing an estimated $80,300 in value for local families, according to United Way.

Volunteers also helped families complete 258 applications for school meals, which United Way estimates could provide $309,600 in annual food savings through New Jersey’s free school meals program.

Health care partners conducted 195 biometric health screenings. Families were also able to learn about NJ FamilyCare, healthy eating, food pantry resources, bicycle safety, financial wellness, youth savings programs and other services available throughout the year.

United Way estimates the initiative generated a combined $389,900 in direct household value and savings while connecting families with longer-term resources.

“One of the things we’re most proud of is that families didn’t have to choose between getting school supplies, talking with a healthcare provider or learning about community resources,” Thompson said. “They could do it all in one place, close to home, in an environment that felt welcoming and fun. That’s what community should look like.”

The Community Resource Days also featured food trucks, games, face painting and family activities. Children were encouraged to write down personal goals for the upcoming school year.

More than 150 volunteers contributed over 560 hours to planning, coordinating and staffing the events. The initiative involved 35 community partners, including sponsors, nonprofit organizations and local businesses working with schools and municipalities.

United Way said the events were designed not only to provide immediate assistance but also to introduce families to programs they may not have previously known were available.

“When we remove barriers and meet families where they are, we create opportunities for children to thrive,” Thompson said. “Every backpack, every conversation, every new connection is an investment in a child’s future. Together, our community is making sure children don’t just start school—they start strong.”