NEW - March 1, 2026

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Lottery System Distribution

Helping Hands Food Pantry

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Effective immediately, Helping Hands is adjusting our distribution model to make visits more comfortable and predictable for clients and volunteers. The new lottery system will help reduce long outdoor waits and improve overall flow during pantry hours.

 

Beginning with with distribution on March 4, 2026, Helping Hands will return to a Lottery System to decide the shopping order. This means the order is not based on arrival time or the position in line when the pantry opens. Rather, the shopping order will be chosen randomly.

 

Lottery System Procedures: 

• Guests may line up outside no earlier than one hour before the pantry opens.

• A volunteer will hand out random Lottery Numbers at:

12:15 PM on Wednesdays (shopping begins at 1:00 PM)

3:45 PM on Thursdays (shopping begins at 4:30 PM)

• Anyone already in line at this time will receive a Lottery Number, and there’s no advantage to arriving extra early.

• After numbers are handed out, clients will sign-in accordingly in numerical order and then proceed to the waiting area until your name or number is called. 

• Guests arriving after the Lottery distribution will receive the next available number and will be served first-come, first-served.

• If your name or number is called and you’re not ready, you’ll be skipped and can shop when you return.

• Keep in mind that since numbers are drawn at random, your place will vary from week to week.

• Please know: No matter when you enter, the pantry is freshly stocked for that day, and everyone will have access to a wide variety of food.

 

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REMINDERS:

 

WEEKLY DISTRIBUTION

Clients are welcome to shop once weekly.

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Food Pantry Distribution Hours

Wednesdays: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Thursdays: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

 

PANTRY HOURS (arrival)
Please do not arrive more than an hour prior to pantry distribution time.

With the new lottery system, there is no advantage to arriving early.

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PANTRY HOURS (closing time)
To receive food, clients must be signed in by the posted closing time.

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GROCERY BAGS
Clients are asked to bring their own reusable grocery bags if able. 

Bag groceries as you go, this helps the line move steadily and flowing smoothly.

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LIMITS

Please adhere to item limits to ensure enough for everyone.

We ask that you please pick up only for your own household. 

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READY BAGS
If you can’t wait in line, pre-packed bags with pantry basics are available.
Note there is no produce, meats or refrigerated items included.

No substitutions. No special requests.

Limited quantities of Ready Bags available at each distribution.

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SHOPPING TIME
Please be mindful of your time so everyone can be served.

Most clients finish shopping within 10–15 minutes.

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CARTS
Return carts promptly to the pantry door after loading your car.

This allows the next shoppers the opportunity to start their shopping. 

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INTAKE FORMS
New clients to Helping Hands will check in at the front desk

and complete an Intake Form before shopping.

All clients are required to complete this form annually

to help ensure we have accurate information for programs and reporting.

Existing clients:

If your address or household information changes, please notify the front desk.

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RESIDENCY RESTRICTIONS

Special programs of Helping Hands and Social Services

are available to clients who live within the DSISD boundaries.

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RESPECT

Treat volunteers and other clients with kindness and patience.

We’re all neighbors here.