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The Rhode Island Food Policy Council Board of Directors welcomed three new members at its retreat in August 2026, growing the board from six to nine members. “The expertise of these new members will benefit our board and the Council overall,” says Steven Arthurs,...
August 18, 2026 [PROVIDENCE, R.I.] — The Rhode Island Foodways Alliance, a new coalition of leaders dedicated to the resilience and success of the state’s food system, today is calling upon state leaders to support a set of critical investments that will fundamentally...
This fall Rhode Islanders will elect their next governor. The Democratic and Republican primaries take place on September 9, with the general election to follow on November 3. At the RI Food Policy Council, want everyone to understand how each candidate would govern...
Close to 100 attendees gathered on September 8 at the Providence Public Library for Rhode Island Food Policy Council’s Policy Retreat. The annual event launches the Council’s work on selecting policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The day began with...
RIFPC Director Nessa Richman reports on her June 2024 visit to the first international gathering of food policy councils as well as her visits with local and global food leaders. I visited Rome in June for the Food Policy Councils in Action Workshop with financial...
LASA award winners include (from left) Journey Basham from Lucayda Farms in Cranston; Bill Gardner and Wicked Tiny Farm in Narragansett; and Graham Watson at West Passage Oyster Company in North Kingstown. In late March 2025, Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental...
A recent announcement from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank that truckloads of more than 500,000 pounds of food scheduled to arrive between April and August were cancelled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is just one of multiple ripple effects of a...
Good Food Policy Day: Advocating, connecting, celebrating at the State House Legislators, advocates, and food system champions gathered at the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, March 27 for RIFPC's Good Food Policy Day, an annual celebration of the power of...
On Tuesday, March 11, nearly 250 wasted food generators, composters, food recovery organizations, regulators, legislators, and many others came together to network, trade ideas, and learn more about compost and the wasted food ecosystem at the 2025 RI Compost...
To those of you who joined us at our annual Network Retreat this year, THANK YOU! It was a great success! On Thursday, January 23, more than 80 volunteers gathered for RIFPC’s annual Network Retreat to create a safe space for people who want a more equitable and...
Dear Friends and Colleagues, The Food Policy Council had another year of tremendous growth in 2024. We launched new staff and new programs, saw another big expansion in our network membership, and achieved a whole new level of advocacy at both the state and federal...
SAVE THE DATE! 2025 RI Compost Conference & Trade ShowTuesday, March 11, 2025 8:15-3:30pmat Rhode Island College Hosted by Rhode Island College and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council The annual Rhode Island Compost Conference & Trade Show brings together...
Left to right: Rep. Michelle McGaw, Sen. Linda Ujifusa, Rep. Deborah Fellela, Sen. Robert Britto, Rep. Terri Cortvriend, Sen. Hanna Gallo, event cohost Rep. Jennifer Boylan, Sen. Mark McKenney, Sen. Alana DiMario, Sen. Bridget Valverde (not pictured: event cohost Sen....
Submit a speaker proposal for the 2025 Rhode Island Compost Conference! Apply by Friday, November 29, 2024 Each year this conference attracts a wide array of speakers and attendees, from composters to food rescuers, to regulators to academics, to students, concerned...
As you know our landfill is rapidly filling leading to increasing municipal tipping fees. At the same time food waste rotting in landfills is one of the leading sources of methane emissions in the country. Over the last several months the Rhode Island Food Policy...
Are you passionate about promoting a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable food system in Rhode Island? PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, FOOD CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT The RI Food Policy Council seeks a full-time Program Associate for the...
Are you passionate about promoting a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable food system in Rhode Island? Seasonal Outreach Coordinator The RI Food Policy Council seeks a part-time paid Seasonal Outreach Coordinator. The...
2024 Legislative Session Debrief During this legislative session, a total of 262 bills with impacts on food systems were introduced in the General Assembly. Of these, 60 bills successfully became law. There were also several key food systems programs included in the...
We are hiring part-time, paid interns for various positions, to join the Rhode Island Food Policy team! Available internships include: Engagement & Storytelling Intern Food Climate & Environment (FCE) Intern Local Food Economy Intern Municipal Food Systems...
Policy for the People 2024 Rhode Island's laws affect us all! Join us for a free detailed but approachable educational series for anyone who wants to better understand the state of local food policy, how it relates to what’s happening on a national and global scale,...
The initial goal of the Wasted Food Solutions Action Network (WFSAN) is to create the first Rhode Island Food Waste Action Plan. To do that we are reaching out to stakeholders who work to eliminate food waste and prevent wasted food in various ways, understanding...
Rhode Island Stories is a platform dedicated to highlighting the efforts and achievements of various programs and organizations working to improve the state’s food system. These stories spotlight Rhode Island agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals, each...
Dear Chairman DiPalma and members of the Senate Finance Committee, Thank you for supporting $5M in the state Green Bond for agricultural land preservation! We would like to reshare our other budget and finance-related priorities with you, as the legislature...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Allison Montagnonallison@rifoodcouncil.org Alrie McNiff Danielsalrie.daniels@point32health.org Rhode Island Food Policy Council receives $200,000 from Point32Health Foundation Rhode Island – [August 1, 2024] – Rhode Island Food Policy...
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is leading the planning process to develop the Rhode Island Food System Preparedness and Recovery Plan. We are seeking broad stakeholder input to create a strong plan so our state is ready to respond to and recover from...
Circle this Wednesday, April 10th, on your calendar! It’s what we’re dubbing a "Triple Header Day," as the House Finance Committee gears up to review not one, not two, but three crucial bills at 4pm in room 35 of the State House. In preparation, we're asking you to...
On March 28th, the Rhode Island Food Policy Council held its first-ever Good Food Policy Day at the State House! More than 100 network members from across the state gathered in the Bell Room to raise awareness about how state policy can support a just and resilient...
The RI Food Policy Council seeks a part-time, paid Community Food Security Research Intern. The primary objective of the person in this role is to complete an assessment that identifies and quantifies current funding gaps in advancing long-term community food...
Join the RI Food Policy Council’s “Good Food Advocacy Day” at the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, March 28 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM! Meet food system leaders and experts in the Bell Room to share in learning how important our local food system is to Rhode Island’s...
ROUNDTABLE FOR LEGISLATORS Thriving by Healthy School Meals for All, Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMDear State Legislators, Please join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Rhode Island students and school meal experts to learn how Healthy School...
Last week, the Rhode Island Food Policy Council was invited by a participating farmer to a meeting with the Rhode Island Governor, Governor McKee, and other local farmers, to fight for farmland preservation funding in Rhode Island. Pictured: BACK: Andrew Morley, Sweet...
This Wednesday, March 6, the Rhode Island House Finance Committee will review a bill, HB7550, that would provide $5 million for farmland protection and $9 million for open space and forest management in the upcoming Green Bond. The current proposal for the Green Bond...
Thank you to everyone who attended the Growing Produce Prescription Programs in Rhode Island Summit!We are grateful to yesterday's panelists for their encouraging and insightful words, and to all attendees for sharing reflections and vision for Fruit & Vegetable...
The Rhode Island College Compost Conference will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 9am-3pm. Learn about composting in Rhode Island and hear about solutions that benefit community and the environment. There will be guest speakers and workshops where attendees...
Join the Counting on RI's Food System: Data and Trends to Bring Justice and Resilience in 2024 Webinar to explore the latest insights from the 2024 Rhode Island Food System Factbook. This essential resource delivers in-depth analyses of Rhode Island's local food...
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, members of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the 2024 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grantees at Newport Vineyards. More than 40 local farmers,...
WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to promote economic opportunities for farmers, fishermen, and food producers, strengthen the nation’s food supply chain network, and increase access to locally-grown, nutritious food in underserved communities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed...
JANUARY 9, 2024 --- The Rhode Island Food Policy Council, businesses, organizations, and fellow concerned Rhode Islanders submitted a letter to Governor McKee imploring them to prioritize making excess food donation a common practice among Rhode Island businesses by...
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSRhode Island Food System Preparedness and Recovery Planning Process About the Rhode Island Food Policy CouncilThe Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is an independent statewide network established in2011 with a mission to promote a more...
On October 18, RIFPC announced its 2024 Legislative Priorities to an audience of more than 40 state representatives, senators, state officials, staff from congressional delegates' offices, and Council members at East Greenwich’s Boesch Farm, the home of Pat’s...
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council seeks a contractor to produce monthly newsletters and support web-based communications and updates. This contractor reports to the Engagement Manager. The deliverables for this contract are to: Produce high-quality monthly...
Candidates running for Rhode Island's open Congressional District 1 seat were invited to answer our short questionnaire to share their thoughts about important issues that will impact Rhode Island's food system. Candidates responses: Are you aware that the latest...
Rhode Island's food system matters! Candidates running for Rhode Island's Congressional District 1 seat are invited to answer our short questionnaire to share your thoughts about important issues that will impact a sector that represents $12B in annual sales...
This year resulted in several enacted bills with positive impacts on our local food system, and further inroads made on other key food system legislation. Twenty-five bills of the 164 pieces of legislation we tracked became law. Climate Change and Food Business were...
Throughout the 2023 Legislative Session, RIFPC Work Groups brought their case before legislators in support of bills that would improve the food system. Several RIFPC work groups were deeply involved in educating elected officials and advocating for good food...
On June 13, more than 60 local food champions assembled for an interactive and uplifting day of learning, sharing, and connecting. The annual RIFPC Network Retreat helps set the tone for the entire year, provides the time and space needed to make meaningful...
New bill introductions have slowed down significantly. We added just one new bill to the tracker this week, HB6357, which creates green justice zones to further environmental justice for traditionally underserved RI communities. That bill has been added to our...
Two bills with potential impacts on our food system were added to the tracker this week. SR935 commemorates April 23-29th as “Quahog Week 2023” in Rhode Island (Sen. DiMario). This resolution is expected to be voted into law by the Senate this Tuesday....
Virtual Lunch & Learn Do you experience surplus food as a business in the foodservice, hospitality or events industry? Or as an office that hosts catered lunches & events? Join The Center for EcoTechnology, MEANS Database, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, and RIFPC...
The current total number of bills in our tracker is now greater than 140, but no new bills were added this week. However, there are eight committee hearings scheduled that will impact legislation related to the food system: Tuesday, April 18 The House Finance...
Two new bills with potential impacts on food businesses were added to the tracker this week. The first, SB661, would codify protections for warehouse workers (introduced by Sen. Ciccone). The second, SB652, establishes a marina users’ bill of rights that could affect...
Seven bills were added to the bill tracker this week. Two pieces of legislation focus on urban and small farmer taxation, both introduced by Sen. Mack. Two other bills focused on minimum wage increases. For more details on all of the bills added this week, read on...
New legislation Seven bills with potential impacts on our food system were added to the tracker this week. Two of these bills would impact commercial fisheries and aquaculture: SB703 – amends the duties of the Marine Fisheries Council (Sen. Sosnowski) SB772 –...
Our bill tracker has three new bills this week: SB683, SB684, and HB6160. Introduced by Sen. DiMario, SB683 extends COVID-19 moratorium on penalties for food businesses that altered or modified its business to comply with the pandemic emergency declaration. SB684...
New Legislation Added to the Tracker Last week was another busy week at the State House. The General Assembly has now introduced over 1800 bills since January. We added 13 bills to our bill tracker last week, bringing the total tracked to 126. Three bills of note...
There were 30 bills added to the bill tracker this week. These pieces of legislation were primarily in the areas of food business and climate change. The entire list of new bills can be found below. For more information about each bill, please refer to the appropriate...
Last week twenty-four bills were introduced in the General Assembly that could have an impact on our food system. The majority of these bills were added in the food business sec NEW BILLSTen new bills with potential impacts on our food system were added to the Bill...
Last week twenty-four bills were introduced in the General Assembly that could have an impact on our food system. The majority of these bills were added in the food business sector. Notably, there were a number of bills introduced related to our fisheries and...
Ten House bills with potential impacts on our food system were added to the bill tracker this past week. Brief descriptions are offered below, and full bill text and additional information can be found in the Bill Tracker. No Senate bills at all were posted as of...
This week thirteen bills were introduced in the General Assembly that could have an impact on our food system. Several of these newly introduced bills are also being heard in House Committees this week, as follows: On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the House Committee...
This week, five bills with potential food system impacts were introduced in the General Assembly. The majority of the legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives. A brief description of all new bills is below (a full description of the bills is...
On January 26, RIFPC hosted a webinar to demonstrate our newly launched Data Dashboard. Attendees learned about how to use the charts, search for specific data, and found inspiration on how to to apply the information to their own work. The information provided...
The Rhode Island College Compost Conference and Trade Show will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 9am-3pm. Convening for wasted food solutions. Join us to discuss food waste in RI and solutions that benefit our community along with the environment. There will...
Fourteen bills with potential impacts on our food system were added to the Bill Tracker this week. Many are continuations from previous years’ bills, including healthy school meals for all, the extended (30 mile) food waste ban, the ban on polystyrene in...
Food Solutions New England will host the 9th version of its food system-oriented 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge from April 3, 2023 to April 23, 2023. Each year, thousands of individuals and hundreds of officially participating organizations join in a...
Five new bills were added to the RIFPC Bill Tracker this week, representing potential impacts on our aquaculture industry, food packaging, using the word "compostable" on labels, and the definition of "solid waste". Three of these bills are highlighted below. Detailed...
The RI General Assembly began its 2023 session last week. The Senate and House are still getting organized and committee meetings will not start for at least another week. A few dozen bills were introduced last week but many of them were resolutions recognizing the...
The Rhode Island College Compost Conference and Trade Show will be held on March 8, 2023 as a convening of organizations and individuals that contribute to wasted food solutions. Come together to learn and network with the people doing the work to recover and recycle...
Dear Hunger Elimination Task Force (HETF) Community, In 2022, many Rhode Islanders felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic ease. But for residents experiencing food insecurity and the organizations trying to support them, relief never came. Inflation, gas and food...
Following the Council's decision on legislative priorities for the coming year, a set of strategic objectives has been developed. In 2023, Council Members, Work Groups, Board, and staff will work to: Increase food access, security, justice, and sovereignty for...
Rhode Island Food Policy Council awarded $498K grant to fortify RI’s emergency food network while supporting local farms and fisheries PROVIDENCE, RI, OCTOBER 19, 2022 — The Rhode Island Food Policy Council has been awarded a $498K grant from the U.S. Department of...
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Lets’ celebrate the people working in fields and over fires to feed us! Let’s recognize the many powerful programs, points of access, and opportunities that are improving equity and resilience for all Rhode Islanders! We’re hosting a social media photo contest. Join...
On September 1, more than 40 Board Members, Council Members, Work Group Members, and staff convened at the Farm Fresh Rhode Island facility on Sims Avenue in Providence for the annual retreat. RIFPC’s policy priorities are selected based on comprehensive data...
September – December 2022Tuesday evenings at 7Edwards Auditorium and online Food. Though we depend on it to survive and thrive, many Americans have become increasingly disconnected from the complex systems that provide our food. The Fall 2022 Honors Colloquium at the...
TUESDAY, JULY 26 — Network Director Nessa Richman joined RI Director of Food Strategy, Juli Stelmaszyk, to present a workshop about food systems and climate to Rhode Island’s Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4). The discussion explored how climate...