Russells help at Fallbrook Food Pantry

In 1990, Sue and Frank Russell decided to leave their home in Sunnyvale and retire to Fallbrook. A handful of years ago, they began to regularly volunteer at the Fallbrook Food Pantry; since then, it has become a very important part of their lives. “We are here to help people,” said Sue.

Frank explained that their volunteering started when Tom Caton of the Food Pantry had engine problems one day.

“He needed to pick up produce one morning and his truck was having problems,” said Frank. Caton knew Frank had his own pick up truck, so Frank was asked if he would pick up the produce that day. And, as they say, the rest is history.

Frank and Sue are the kind of couple who loves to spend time together – even their free time. They have been married for 35 years and are best friends. “We enjoy helping each other,” said Sue.

Generally, Sue and Frank are officially on the Food Pantry “volunteer time clock” Mondays and Tuesdays; however, they put in many extra hours.

“I also help out with computer work and handyman jobs,” said Frank.

Whenever there is a job needed to be done, Sue says, Frank jumps right in and tackles the duty before him. Frank travels down to the San Diego Food Bank to pick up food and from other destinations as well.

“I must really like it here <at the Food Pantry> because I have no desire to look for anything else,” added Frank.

On Monday mornings, explained Frank, they pick up produce at Daniel’s Market. “We pick up things like carrots, onions, celery, squash and apples.” He also picks up citrus from local growers. Typically, he gathers 1,500 pounds of produce per week, but during the holiday season, this number can easily double, he said.

Other local markets, such as Albertson’s, Major Market and El Tigre, normally give their products nearing an expiration date to the Food Pantry.

“There are so many families in need,” said Sue. “At 9:30 a.m., when we open, there is a line at the door of about 15 to 20 people.”

The Food Pantry, explained Sue, is a nonprofit organization where people in need can come get food once a week. It serves the Fallbrook, Bonsall, De Luz, Rainbow and Pala areas.

It also receives wonderful assistance from local markets, church communities, businesses, schools, youth groups and people with giving hearts. Like with any nonprofit, the Food Pantry is in constant need of support, because people need food every day.

Though shorthanded with volunteers, the Food Pantry still manages to bag five to six tons of food per month and it is estimated that 390 families are given food on a weekly basis.

“This is our mission,” said Frank. “This is what we do.”

Frank and Sue are not only grateful to be working with a wonderful group of volunteers but are also delighted to be working with the main man who runs the program: executive director Don Luallin.

“We are here to help Don,” said Sue.

Since volunteering there, Sue admits that the one thing she has learned is tolerance. While many of us have a roof over our heads and plenty of food in our kitchens, there are many who are not so lucky.

“We need to think about the hungry,” said Sue. “We’re in this together.”

The Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers, especially ones who are able to do a bit of heavy lifting. If members of the community are unable to bring food down to the pantry, checks are always welcomed.

The Fallbrook Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is located at 1042 South Mission Road. To learn more about this nonprofit organization, they can be reached at (760) 728-7608.

Donations always needed at the Food Pantry:

Baby food

Dried beans

Cereals

Pastas

Soups

Powdered and canned milk

Tuna

Jell-O and pudding mixes

Sugar

Flour

Toiletries

Disposable diapers

Clothing and household items

Fruits and vegetables