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Notes from the Field

2023 Legislative Recap

2023 Legislative Recap

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...

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2023 Work Group Wrap-Up

2023 Work Group Wrap-Up

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...

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A Successful 2023 Network Retreat!

A Successful 2023 Network Retreat!

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...

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FOOD POLICY STATUS UPDATE – it’s crunch time!

FOOD POLICY STATUS UPDATE – it’s crunch time!

It’s crunch time! With little more than a month left, the General Assembly is in overdrive right now. Hearings are taking place and bills are being heard, considered, and voted on! Over 2000 bills have been introduced this year, and RIFPC’s bill tracker is currently...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

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...

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FOOD POLICY STATUS UPDATE

FOOD POLICY STATUS UPDATE

Over 2000 bills have been introduced this year in the General Assembly. There are a little more than 2 months remaining in this legislative session, and RIFPC has been hard at work moving the needle on many of the 155 pieces of legislation in our tracker currently. ...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: APR 24

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....

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Food Recovery for Rhode Island Businesses: May 22

Food Recovery for Rhode Island Businesses: May 22

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: APR 17

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...

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Advocating for farmland preservation as a priority

Advocating for farmland preservation as a priority

ADVOCACY IS FOR ALL! Anyone who supports the preservation of farmland in Rhode Island is encouraged to tell your legislators by sending them an email, calling them, and/or downloading our "FARMLAND IS A PRIORITY" postcard and send it to House Finance Committee...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: APR 10

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...

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RI Hunger Elimination Task Force Q1 Meeting Summary

RI Hunger Elimination Task Force Q1 Meeting Summary

The first Hunger Elimination Task Force (HETF) Meeting of 2023 was attended by over 62 participants. Randi Belhumeur from the RI Dept. of Health (RIDOH) welcomed everyone and provided an update on RIDOH’s application to the CDC’s State Physical Activity and Nutrition...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: APR 3

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...

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Meet the Council: Joan Kwiatkowski

Meet the Council: Joan Kwiatkowski

Joan Kwiatkowski, M.S.W., C.A.G.S.  Lives in: BarringtonJoined the Council: 2022Profession: CEO of PACE Organization of Rhode Island Joan believes everybody should have an advocate who really hears their voice, and puts that voice in the center of that person’s...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: MAR 27

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  –...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: MAR 20

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...

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FOOD POLICY STATUS UPDATE

POLICIES WE’RE WATCHING

With over 1800 bills introduced since January, the Rhode Island General Assembly is running full speed towards the end of session now. RIFPC’s bill tracker is currently following more than 135 pieces of legislation that may impact our food system. A little less than 4...

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2023 Farm Bill Priorities

2023 Farm Bill Priorities

RI Food Policy Council 2023 Farm Bill Priorities The 2023 Farm Bill presents an incredible opportunity to protect agricultural land, expand SNAP access, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the local food system, while improving equity. In alignment with...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: MAR 13

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...

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We’re Hiring! Food Access & Nutrition Security Program Director

We’re Hiring TWO Summer Interns!

We are seeking to hire TWO part-time paid interns this Summer! View the full descriptions and learn how to apply on our Job & Internship Opportunities page. Communications & Outreach Intern The primary objectives of the Communications & Outreach Intern's...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: MAR 6

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: FEB 27

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: FEB 20

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: FEB 13

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: FEB 6

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: JAN 30

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: JAN 23

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...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: JAN 16

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...

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RIFPC submits letter to Gov. McKee in support of “Healthy School Meals for All”

Legislation to watch in 2023

What to Look For in the 2023 Legislative Session, a guide from RIFPC's policy experts: On January 3, the Rhode Island General Assembly began its 2023 legislative session. The Governor and House and Senate leadership have already staked out the key areas that they will...

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Bill Tracker update: MAY 8

Bill Tracker update: JAN 9

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...

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2022 Hunger Elimination Task Force Year in Review

2022 Hunger Elimination Task Force Year in Review

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...

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RIFPC’s 2023 Strategic Objectives

RIFPC’s 2023 Strategic Objectives

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...

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A year-end message from RIFPC

A year-end message from RIFPC

The power of working together in groups, even very small groups, is always revealed over time.  What seems impossible one day turns out to be doable; what sounds crazy idealistic becomes a possibility.  Margaret Mead said it best: “Never doubt that a small group of...

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