Our Programs
More Than Food
At Fallbrook Food Pantry, our work goes beyond providing nutritious groceries. Our programs are designed to support the whole person and strengthen the community we call home. From weekly food assistance and senior nutrition to home deliveries, wellness education, community workshops, and food rescue, we are committed to creating greater access to nutritious food, helpful resources, education, and connection. Whether you are looking for support, hoping to learn something new, or simply wanting to get involved, there is a place for you here.
Weekly Food Distribution
Distribution Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Friday Night Market: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fallbrook Food Pantry provides fresh produce, pantry staples, and nutritious groceries to individuals and families in Fallbrook and surrounding communities, including Bonsall, Rainbow, De Luz, Pala, and Camp Pendleton.
Food distribution is available Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM, with an additional Friday Night Market from 4:00–6:00 PM for working families and others who may not be able to visit during daytime hours.
Clients may receive groceries once per week.
New clients complete a simple intake process at reception to determine eligibility and receive a pantry card for future visits.
If someone is experiencing an immediate need for food, they may visit during distribution hours and let the team know they need emergency groceries.
The Fallbrook Food Pantry Emergency Food Policy allows a person to receive food up to three times without completing a full interview and becoming a regular client.
This emergency process requires a personal ID card or license. Non-U.S. identification is acceptable.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP / TEFAP)
Fallbrook Food Pantry is proud to partner with the San Diego Food Bank as a local distribution site for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP/TEFAP).
This program provides supplemental USDA foods to qualifying San Diego County households, including those experiencing an economic or financial emergency.
EFAP is available at Fallbrook Food Pantry during the third week of every month, Monday through Friday, during regular distribution hours.
You do not need a Fallbrook Food Pantry client card to participate during EFAP week.
The program is self-certifying, and proof of income and identification are not required.
WHEN:
Third week of every month
WHERE:
Fallbrook Food Pantry
TIME:
Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Friday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
PANTRY CARD:
Not required
PROOF OF INCOME:
Not required
IDENTIFICATION:
Not required
Neighborhood Distribution
Through our partnership with the San Diego Food Bank, Fallbrook Food Pantry also serves as a host site for the Neighborhood Distribution Program.
This monthly distribution brings additional nutritious food directly into our community, with a strong focus on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Neighborhood Distribution is held on Wednesday during the fourth week of every month and is open to anyone in need of food assistance.
There are no income or asset restrictions.
Identification or documentation is not required.
A Fallbrook Food Pantry client card is not required to participate.
WHEN:
Wednesday of the fourth week of every month
WHERE:
Fallbrook Food Pantry
TIME:
9:30 AM–12:30 PM
PANTRY CARD:
Not required
IDENTIFICATION:
Not required
DOCUMENTATION:
Not required
INCOME OR ASSET RESTRICTIONS:
None
These special distributions are made possible through our partnership with the San Diego Food Bank and help us bring additional food resources directly to the Fallbrook community.
Senior Nutrition Program
Our Senior Nutrition Program provides supplemental groceries to help local older adults maintain access to nutritious food throughout the month.
Participating seniors receive a monthly food bag filled with a variety of shelf-stable grocery items selected to supplement their household food needs.
Boxes are distributed during the second week of each month, giving participants greater flexibility to pick up their food during the designated distribution week.
Our goal is to provide seniors with consistent, dependable food support while helping them maintain independence and dignity.
WHO IT HELPS:
Local older adults
WHAT IT PROVIDES:
Monthly supplemental food bags with shelf-stable grocery items
WHEN:
Second week of each month
GOAL:
Consistent, dependable food support that helps seniors maintain independence and dignity
Home Delivery Program
Our Home Delivery Program brings groceries directly to local clients who are unable to safely or consistently visit the pantry due to mobility or transportation barriers.
Pantry staff and volunteers prepare groceries and coordinate regular deliveries directly to participants' homes.
This program is especially important for homebound seniors and other qualifying neighbors who may otherwise have difficulty accessing nutritious food.
Home delivery allows some of our most vulnerable community members to remain connected to the pantry and receive dependable food assistance.
A doctor’s note is required for this service.
WHO IT HELPS:
Local clients who cannot safely or consistently visit the pantry because of mobility or transportation barriers
WHAT IT PROVIDES:
Regular grocery deliveries coordinated by pantry staff and volunteers
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT:
A doctor’s note is required for this service
Sousa Learning Center
The Sousa Learning Center is a space dedicated to education, prevention, and giving our neighbors practical tools to build healthier lives.
Through programs such as Rooted in Wellness, community members can participate in nutrition and wellness education designed to make healthy living more approachable and accessible.
The Learning Center also hosts diabetes prevention education through CSUM, along with additional classes, resources, and educational opportunities throughout the year.
Our goal is to go beyond providing food by helping our neighbors gain the knowledge and resources they need to build healthier, stronger futures.
FOCUS:
Education, prevention, nutrition, wellness, and practical health resources
PROGRAMMING MAY INCLUDE:
- Rooted in Wellness
- Nutrition and wellness education
- Diabetes prevention education through CSUM
- Additional classes and community resources
Community Events & Workshops
Community is about more than meeting basic needs, it is also about connection, creativity, and belonging.
Fallbrook Food Pantry offers a variety of free and low-cost activities, workshops, and family-friendly events, including opportunities such as Paint & Sip, children's arts and crafts, educational workshops, and other community activities.
These programs are designed to create welcoming spaces where neighbors can learn something new, spend time together, and connect with local resources.
Next year, Fallbrook Food Pantry is excited to host its first annual Welcome Event, a free event open to the entire community to come together, learn about available resources, and connect with one another.
Activity Examples:
- Paint & Sip
- Children's arts and crafts
- Educational workshops
- Family-friendly community activities
- Annual Welcome Event
Pig Food Rescue Program
Our Pig Food Rescue Program helps us reduce food waste by giving food that is no longer appropriate for human distribution a second purpose.
Local farmers can partner with Fallbrook Food Pantry to pick up eligible food scraps and rescue food that can be safely used to feed farm animals, including pigs.
This program helps keep usable food out of the waste stream while supporting local agriculture and strengthening our commitment to responsible food recovery.
PURPOSE:
Reduce food waste and give eligible food scraps a second use
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:
Local farmers
HOW IT WORKS:
Eligible food scraps and rescue food may be picked up for safe use as farm-animal feed
BENEFITS:
- Reduces food waste
- Supports local agriculture
- Strengthens responsible food recovery