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...
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Notes from the Field
We’re Hiring: Fall 2024 Internships
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 is back!
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,...
Join our NEW Wasted Food Solutions Network
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...
NEW RI Stories to Read in 2024
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...
Letter to Senate Finance Committee
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...
Rhode Island Food Policy Council receives $200,000 from Point32Health Foundation
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...
Listening Sessions: RI Food System Preparedness and Recovery Plan
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...
JOIN US FOR A “TRIPLE HEADER” DAY IN LEGISLATION
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...
Good Food Policy Day 2024 Recap
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...
Sign On to Help Farmers Retain Fees Collected by the DEM
Support local farmers in obtaining a restricted receipt account with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). This type of account allows farmers to retain the fees collected by the DEM from local agricultural businesses, which amount to...
We’re Hiring: Community Food Systems Research Intern
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...
Good Food Policy Day 2024
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
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...
RIFPC MET WITH GOVENOR MCKEE
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...
Letter Support & Important Hearing on Farmland Protection, Tomorrow!
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...
MARCH 14: Rhode Island College Compost Conference
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...
Support the Small and Urban Farms Success Act
JANUARY 17, 2024 --- The Rhode Island Food Policy Council Urban Farmer Advocacy Work Group, along with businesses, organizations, and engaged Rhode Islanders, has submitted a letter to Senator Ruggerio and Speaker Shekarchi. As the state legislature arranges its...
Urban and Small Farms Success Video
The Small & Urban Farms Video was created as part of efforts to get the word out about the urban and small farms success (H7684) bill. This video is to show legislators that farms are here, and gives them an opportunity to talk about what farming means for them...
Governor McKee, DEM, RI General Assembly Announce 2024 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grantees, Helping Grow Agricultural, Seafood Businesses
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,...
Reed Leads Introduction of EAT Local Foods Act
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...
550+ organizations, businesses, and concerned Rhode Islanders call on Governor McKee and Secretary Tanner to include a tax credit for food donation in the 2025 budget
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...
CALL TO ACTION: Surplus Food Donation Work Group advocating for a tax credit for businesses that donate surplus food
The Surplus Food Donation Work Group is calling for participation from Rhode Islanders to support their goal of passing legislation for a tax credit for businesses that donate surplus food. The group aims to help make excess food donation a common practice among Rhode...
RIFPC’s 2024 Legislative Priorities
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...
Request for Proposals: Newsletter Writing and Digital Communications Support
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...
Congressional District 1 Candidates responses to RIFPC’s Questionairre
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...
Questions for Congressional District 1 Candidates
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...
Welcome to our new Food Access & Nutrition Security Program Director, Rachel Newman Greene!
For nearly two decades, Rachel has been working with policymakers, community-based organizations and under-represented communities to increase equitable access to and control of the resources we need to live healthy lives. Food policy and food equity have been strong...
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...
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...
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...
New report shows Rhode Island food consumption far outpaces its production ability
NEW ENGLAND FOOD ADVOCATES RELEASE NEW RESEARCH ON THE STATE OF THE REGION’S FOOD SYSTEM: Report shows Rhode Island food consumption far outpaces its production ability June 5, 2023 (PROVIDENCE, RI) - A new report puts forth a regional goal of producing and consuming...
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...
RIFPC goes to Jackson, MS for national gathering of food policy councils
“If you want to be proud of yourself, you have got to do things you can be proud of.” ― Oseola McCarty Earlier this month, Associate Director Josh Daly and Communications Manager Allison Montagnon visited Jackson, MS for a first-of-its-kind national gathering of food...
Planning for accessible, equitable, and resilient municipal food systems: May 17
Learn how your municipality can support farmers and food businesses, ensure that all residents have access to fresh, healthy, culturally-relevant food, and lower landfill tipping fees by reducing food waste. We will share our newly updated municipal data factsheets...
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...
Advocating for the Food Waste Ban and Donation Tax Incentives
ADVOCACY IS FOR ALL! Solutions for diverting wasted food from the landfill is a core focus this legislative session. Our Wasted Food Solutions work group (new this year) and network members are especially active this week, as hearings at the State House on both the...
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. ...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 –...
RIFPC’s conversations with congressional delegates on Farm Bill priorities
On March 20, RIFPC joined Farm Fresh Rhode Island to meet with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse to discuss priorities for the Farm Bill - an "omnibus" piece of legislation that passes every five years. In light severe social and environmental changes we've experienced over...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
RIFPC submits letter to Gov. McKee in support of “Healthy School Meals for All”
Governor Dan McKee recently received a letter from the American Heart Association (AHA) requesting that he include funding for Healthy School Meals for All in the RI 2024 Budget. The RI Food Policy Councils members are in agreement with AHA, but wanted to emphasize...
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...
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...
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...
RIFPC meets with McKee policy staff on 2023 legislative priorities
On January 25, RIFPC Chair Thea Upham, Board President Diane Lynch, and Network Director Nessa Richman met with policy staff of Governor McKee, Policy Advisor Kelly Crawley, and Deputy Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, Jason Natareno. RIFPC...
Data Dashboard Overview Webinar
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...
Registration open for RI College Compost Conference & Trade Show
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...
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...
Registration open for Food Solutions New England’s 21-day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge
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...
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...
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...
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...
Requests for Presentations and Workshops for Compost Conference and Trade Show at Rhode Island College, happening March 2023
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...
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...
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...
Legislators join RIFPC to discuss support for small business and wasted food solutions
On December 6, State Representatives Lauren Carson, Terri-Denise Cortvriend, and Carol Hagan McEntee joined members of the Wasted Food Solutions and the Food Business and Economic Development Work Groups for a virtual meeting. Group members laid out RIFPC's...
New! Policy education series for all
Understanding how and why our lawmakers are acting on food systems issues is important for everyone to understand. Join us for a detailed-yet-approachable discussion about the state of food policy in Rhode Island, issues that affect it, and how you can get involved in...
Council Shares Top Policy Priorities with RI Candidates
The Council recently published “Recommendations for Rhode Island’s Food System 2023-2030: A briefing book for candidates for elected offices in Rhode Island” to inform policy makers, officials, and other stakeholders of current priority areas and policy decision...
2022 Legislative Wrap-up
The RIFPC Bill Tracker followed 215 pieces of legislation with potential impacts on our food system during the 2022 General Assembly session. Grouping them by their primary areas of impact, there were: 114 focused on climate change/environmental protection 44 focused...