Mississippi ranks highest of all states with 21.1% of people below poverty level. 60.5% of grandparents in Mississippi are responsible for their grandchildren. 66% of the working poor have annual in-comes below the federal poverty line. HeartLand Hands is reaching out to our community by providing emergency food assistance to residents of DeSoto County who are having a difficult time providing food for their family. HeartLand Hands is one of the largest food pantries in DeSoto County and is stocked with items such as canned goods, staple goods, wipes, cleaning supplies, hygiene items and many other items. These items are handed out by volunteers to those who are in need. All food distributed is free. We are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am –1pm HeartLand Hands is committed to strengthening our community by providing food assistance to residents of North Mississippi. As of July 2012, over 14,000 families made up of some 45,133 individuals have been served. Our administrative cost are relatively low as HeartLand Hands is staffed by an average of 34 volunteers per day donating some 1430 hours per month. Our facilities are provided through our partnership with HeartLand Church. No cost is ever accessed to the client. Started in November, 2006, HeartLand Hands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit/faith-based Organization Supported by voluntary contributions from individuals, churches, and businesses. As a 501(C)(3) all donations are tax deductible.