Supervisors honor Fallbrook Food Pantry

The Fallbrook Food Pantry was one of 100 nonprofit organizations in California honored as a nonprofit organization of the year for 2020 and, during the proclamations session of the Oct. 27 San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting, the county supervisors honored the Fallbrook Food Pantry.

"I want to thank everybody in San Diego County for this proclamation," said Fallbrook Food Pantry Executive Director Shae Gawlak.

Each state legislator honors a nonprofit of the year organization from his or her district. State Senator Brian Jones nominated the Fallbrook Food Pantry as his 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year selection.

"Food insecurity affects 500,000 San Diegans every day," said Supervisor Jim Desmond, who presented the county proclamation.

The Fallbrook Food Pantry was established in 1981 and its mission is to aid community members in need of food. The Fallbrook Food Pantry also provides emotional support to Fallbrook, Bonsall, DeLuz, Rainbow, and Pala residents and refers individuals in need of clothing, shelter, or medical care to the appropriate agency.

"Over 3,000 registered clients are now able to receive food once a week," Desmond said.

The number has grown since March to approximately 6,300 households. "We are serving our community more than ever," Gawlak said.

The Fallbrook Food Pantry responds to approximately 25,000 household visits annually and distributes nearly 1 million pounds of food. "They offer a well-balanced selection of foods," Desmond said.

Normally the Fallbrook Food Pantry provides services to approximately 500 families a week. The number of families who are provided service increases significantly during major holidays.

Donations have allowed the Fallbrook Food Pantry to continue to aid those in need of meals. "We're able to provide more food than ever, so hopefully no one is going hungry," Gawlak said.

Gawlak added that the Fallbrook Food Pantry incorporates health and wellness education into its food distribution. "The programs become building blocks," she said.

The county's proclamations recognize and honor organizations that are dedicated to the ideals of public service. "The Fallbrook Food Pantry's one such worthy organization," Desmond said.