The Fresh Start Program

Our Back to School Program for Families

What is the Fresh Start Program?

Our Fresh Start Back-to-School Program is available to our registered Falmouth & Mashpee families. This program provides a new backpack, school supplies, and a gift card towards the purchase of new back-to-school clothing. The program is for children in kindergarten through grade 12.

Fresh Start was introduced to the Falmouth Service Center in 2005 by Kathy Hall of East Falmouth. After hearing of a similar program in Connecticut, she spearheaded a committee to bring this program to Falmouth through the Falmouth Service Center. In Fresh Start’s first year, 57 children were outfitted and received a backpack filled with school supplies. We now help over 300 Falmouth & Mashpee children each year.

How do I qualify to participate in the program?

This program is for our Falmouth and Mashpee families who have fully registered as a household with FSC. In order to participate children must be living with you in your home and entering grades K-12 in September.

We promote Fresh Start extensively to our food pantry clients. This is a very popular program so please apply early.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2025 Fresh Start Back-to-School Program will open in early June. Applications will be accepted until July 31 or until enrollment reaches its limit.

If you would like more information about this program, please call us at 508-548-2794. Families must have an up-to-date registration in order to participate in the program.

How can I help to support programs like this?

When you make a donation to FSC, you support our client programs. Our Fresh Start Back-to-School Program is one of many client programs that benefit our neighbors in need. All of our programs help to provide resources and critical assistance for our client households.

If you wish to sponsor a child for this program, you can donate by check or credit card and be sure to note “Fresh Start” in the memo.

In addition, you can become a “Backpack Buddy” by donating a new backpack. We recommend durable, heavy duty backpacks.

If you have additional questions about our Fresh Start Back-to-School Program or any of our programs, please call us at (508) 548-2794.

If you are in need of food and you don't live near FSC, please visit the Greater Boston Food Bank website for a list of regional food pantries in your area.

We are a proud member agency of the Greater Boston Food Bank.