Qualifications to Receive Assistance
Because the Hancock County Food Pantry receives food through United States Department of
Agriculture’s “The Emergency Food Assistance Program” (TEFAP), our client eligibility is
governed by provisions of that program. Each year we receive updated TEFAP eligibility
requirements from the MS Department of Human Services. The Food Pantry uses these
requirements to determine if households are eligible to receive food and personal hygiene
products and completes the proper paperwork, including the required TEFAP form, certifying
that the household is eligible.
The head of household must confirm annually that their gross income is at or below the income
listed on the TEFAP Client Eligibility form for the number of people in the household OR that
they participate in other federal assistance programs, such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The Food Pantry provides a letter to the head of household on the initial visit detailing
documents that will be required on the next visit for assistance. This documentation includes
proof of identity (photo ID), residency and income. When these documents are provided, the
household is “certified” for return visits and issued a certification card. On subsequent visits to
the Food Pantry, the head of household need only show their photo ID and certification card to
receive assistance. Each certification card carries an expiration date showing when the household
must be recertified.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, families with a head of household less than 60 years of age
were eligible for assistance once every 90 days and families with a head of household that is 60
years or older were eligible for assistance once ever 30 days. As a result of the COVID-19
pandemic, all families can now receive food every 30 days.
Agriculture’s “The Emergency Food Assistance Program” (TEFAP), our client eligibility is
governed by provisions of that program. Each year we receive updated TEFAP eligibility
requirements from the MS Department of Human Services. The Food Pantry uses these
requirements to determine if households are eligible to receive food and personal hygiene
products and completes the proper paperwork, including the required TEFAP form, certifying
that the household is eligible.
The head of household must confirm annually that their gross income is at or below the income
listed on the TEFAP Client Eligibility form for the number of people in the household OR that
they participate in other federal assistance programs, such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The Food Pantry provides a letter to the head of household on the initial visit detailing
documents that will be required on the next visit for assistance. This documentation includes
proof of identity (photo ID), residency and income. When these documents are provided, the
household is “certified” for return visits and issued a certification card. On subsequent visits to
the Food Pantry, the head of household need only show their photo ID and certification card to
receive assistance. Each certification card carries an expiration date showing when the household
must be recertified.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, families with a head of household less than 60 years of age
were eligible for assistance once every 90 days and families with a head of household that is 60
years or older were eligible for assistance once ever 30 days. As a result of the COVID-19
pandemic, all families can now receive food every 30 days.
