The Fresh Start Program

Our Back to School Program for Families

What is the Fresh Start Program?

We are no longer taking applications for the 2024 Fresh Start Program. Thank you.

Our Fresh Start Back-to-School Program is available to our registered Falmouth & Mashpee families. This program provides a brand new backpack filled with school supplies and a gift card towards the purchase of new back-to-school clothing. The program is for children in grades Kindergarten–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 almost 300 Falmouth & Mashpee children each year.

What are the qualifications?

This program is for our Falmouth and Mashpee families who have fully registered as a household with FSC. Children must be living with you in your home in order to qualify. Families chosen for the Fresh Start Program will be based on a lottery system of those that apply. This is a very popular program so please note the following:

**Note: First priority in the lottery will be given to those households who utilize our food distribution program on a regular monthly basis.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2024 Fresh Start Program are closed. See you in 2025!

We begin to accept applications for the program begin in late May each year. We promote the program extensively through our food pantry.

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.

Community Partnerships

This past year, Eight Cousins Books in Falmouth coordinated an onsite Book Fair for the children enrolled in the Fresh Start program. Children were able to select books to take home with them when they picked up their backpack. This program was a huge success!

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” and donate a brand new backpack.

If you have more questions about our 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.