Becoming a Client
It's very easy to become a client at Helping Hands. ​
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A Client Intake Form is required for all clients. You may download and complete in advance or pick up a copy on your first visit to the pantry. Intake Forms must be completed and/or verified annually.
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Clients are deemed “Eligible” to receive foods through ONE of the following three criteria:
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(1) Government Assistance – clients who currently are enrolled in one of the following programs are automatically eligible (and do not have to provide income):
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
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Medicaid
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National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (free or reduced-price meals)
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(2) Income – Click here to see The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Income Eligibility Guidelines.
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Income Guidelines are released annually, beginning July 1st
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Income Guidelines are based on 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
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(3) Crisis Situation – if a household does not receive any of the government assistance listed above AND their income does not fall within the USDA income guidelines above, the food pantry can still provide food for a crisis situation.
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The USDA Certification period is up to twelve months. For crisis food need the certification period is up to six months.
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Clients may visit the pantry once each week
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Wednesdays or Thursday (please refer to Home page for current hours)
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Clients do not have to show an ID to receive food
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Client must be 18 years of age or older
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Only one application per household, not individual, will be accepted
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Clients may designate a “proxy” who can pick up food in their absence. Proxy information is part of the Intake Form (optional), or complete a new one at the pantry. The Proxy designation must be on file to allow another individual to collect your weekly distribution.
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Clients do not have to live in Dripping Springs (or within the DSISD boundaries) to receive food
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Helping Hands also offers non-food related services and support to the community, including Social Services (financial assistance), Project Elf (Christmas community gifting), School Supplies. These special programs do require that the client lives within the DSISD boundaries and clients may be asked to present proof of residency.
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All information provided will be held in the strictest of confidence. Many statistics are needed to apply for grants that help to keep the pantry well stocked and also to comply with requirements through our affiliation with Central Texas Food Bank. We will not share your name for purposes of obtaining grants.
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If you have any questions about distribution, please call Helping Hands at (512) 820-0476. Please refer to the website for any updates in www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org.
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Remember, the food and assistance you receive is supplemental. If you find that you are relying on Helping Hands for all of your food needs or cannot meet your monthly bills without assistance on a regular basis, please let us know. We may be able to direct you to other sources for help.
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FORMS:
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Your Right to Receive Food - as a client of Helping Hands you are entitled to basic rights.
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You are entitled to receive food and/or meals at no cost.
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You are NOT required to participate in a religious event or pay dues as a condition of receiving food.
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You will NOT be refused service or discriminated against based on your race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
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You will be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
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You are NOT required to show proof of income, identification, citizenship, driver's license, social security card, birth certificate, or any other documentation.
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