DEI Corner: Introducing Vanessa Souza, Director of Community Engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Falmouth Service Center (FSC) celebrates and welcomes our diverse community of volunteers, partners, donors, and clients. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is ingrained in our values and mission. We recognize that systemic inequities and barriers to equitable access to food exist in our community. In response to this knowledge and to foster an inclusive environment that responds to our community's needs, we created the role of Director of Community Engagement and DEI. FSC envisions a community where all cultures are embraced and where individuals celebrate their identity, feel empowered, and have equal access to resources.

We welcome Vanessa Souza as Director of Community Engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Vanessa comes to the Falmouth Service Center with a deep understanding of inclusive and culturally responsive practices.

Vanessa says, “I am thrilled to step into this role at a pivotal time for our organization and community. Given the growing number of members in our community that identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, it is crucial that we take this opportunity to strengthen our capacity to respond to our diverse community.”

“The willingness of the FSC community to create a more inclusive and accessible environment has been truly inspiring and reinforces our collective commitment to ensure that everyone feels valued and can access resources regardless of their background or abilities. Over the next several months, I look forward to introducing several initiatives that align with our mission of fostering inclusivity.”

Path to Nutrition for All

Food equity is the idea that everyone should have access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food. At the Falmouth Service Center we believe that access to nutritious food is a right not a privilege.

We are grateful for our partnerships with local farms, the Farming Falmouth Service Garden, and the Falmouth Farmer's Market “Share Your Bounty” program that ensures a steady supply of locally-grown fresh produce is accessible to anyone who visits our food pantry. During the growing season, these programs grow, harvest, save, and distribute hundreds of pounds of produce each week.

Local farm manager and food advocate Jeny Christian says it best, “The more food we can grow locally - on our farms, in our bays and estuaries, in schools, community gardens and backyards - the more we can lighten our environmental footprint and widen access to fresh food throughout the community.”

Our work in food equity is about more than just providing food; it's about creating opportunities for everyone to lead healthy lives.