Purpose Fallbrook Food Pantry believes a nutritious diet is essential to the well-being of the individuals in our community. We believe every individual should have access to a healthy and nutritious diet. We practice being good stewards of the funds and items donated to us and never violate the trust of our community. We respond to people in-need by advocating dignity, respect, and fairness for all people by providing hope through nurturing love and emotional support. Most importantly, we encourage our clients to become self-sufficient, independent, and productive members of the community. Nutrition Guidelines Fallbrook Food Pantry is committed to providing a variety of nourishing foods from every food group to all clients. We commit to providing the following at every distribution: Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Each person receives 8-10 pounds of fresh produce weekly
Contains whole grain as the first ingredient (ex. 100% whole wheat, whole corn, etc.)
Proteins
1 or more lean proteins
Examples include:
Poultry, lean beef, lean pork (fresh or frozen)
Fresh whole eggs
Canned white meats
Low sodium, canned in water when possible (ex. low sodium canned chicken)
Fish
Fresh, frozen, or canned in water
Canned/dry beans or lentils
No sugar or salt added
Nuts/nut butters
Unsalted, no sugar added (when possible)
Purchased Products:
FFP is committed to having our purchasing reflect a balanced diet as described by Feeding America, San Diego Food Bank, and USDA’s MyPlate.
FFP will continue to approach nutrition holistically and consider physical, spiritual and cultural needs.
Donated Products:
We will communicate healthy food drive and donation guidelines to all donors:
Meat and proteins: beef stew, chicken stew, chili, tuna, lentil soup, peanut butter, nutritional drinks for seniors (i.e. Ensure)
Dried goods and canned goods: all canned fruits and vegetables, pastas and pasta sauce, canned and bottled juices, macaroni and cheese, dried beans and peas, rice, breakfast cereals and oatmeal, bread, tortillas, crackers, soups, flour, sugar, cooking oils
Dairy: powdered and canned milk (unsweetened)
Baby items: baby foods (no formulas)
For safe handling purposes, FFP does not accept donations in glass containers.
Distributed Products
FFP does not distribute:
Alcohol
Soda
Candy
Damaged and unsafe foods
Soda and candy is offered to volunteers but not distributed to clients
Donations to our Partners
Foods provided by FFP to our partners organizations will reflect our nutrition values with the goal to provide foods from all 4 food groups
FFP does not provide food to partner organizations that we do not ourselves distribute (i.e. sodas, candy, damaged goods, etc.)
Continuing Considerations
The nutrition policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.