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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...
WEEKLY UPDATE March 3 Over 35 bills were added to the bill tracker this past week. The bills spanned nearly every category we track. Food Business continues to be our largest category with over 30 bills. In total, we’re following 132 bills already introduced this...
WEEKLY UPDATE February 24 Our bill tracker is following nearly 90 bills! Last week, the General Assembly was on recess, limiting the number of bills introduced. Only 10 bills – all on the Senate side – were added to the tracker as a result. A couple of the most...
WEEKLY UPDATE February 24 Our bill tracker is following nearly 90 bills! Last week, the General Assembly was on recess, limiting the number of bills introduced. Only 10 bills – all on the Senate side – were added to the tracker as a result. A couple of the most...
WEEKLY UPDATE February 10 Another 15 bills were added to the bill tracker this week. These additional bills spanned nearly all of our bill tracker categories. Below is some of the most notable legislation. SB215 - increasing the minimum wage for employees receiving...
WEEKLY UPDATE February 2 Another 100+ bills were introduced last Friday as General Assembly members have settled into the session this year. Approximately 20 bills were added to our bill tracker, with the majority being in the “Food Businesses” category. Read more...
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...
WEEKLY UPDATE January 26 Over 90 bills were introduced last week - with more than 20 that will have food systems impacts in RI. The majority of these bills fall under our food business category, as is common nearly every session. Read more about some of the bills...
WEEKLY UPDATE January 20 Bill introductions have been slow since the session began a couple of weeks ago. Only one new bill has been added to the tracker since last week. HR5074 requests that RI Resource Recovery Corporation conduct a waste audit of the State House....
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...
2025 Farm Business Accelerator Applications open! Co-hosted with Polaris MEP, these sessions are designed for agriculture or aquaculture business owners. We will cover essential information to get your business started OR strengthen an existing one. We also provide...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
Small and specialty crop producers - can we help you? The first of three cohorts starts January 25! RIFPC is partnering with Polaris MEP for a series of NO-COST group learning sessions to help your business grow and thrive! We’re offering ongoing one-on-one support...
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...
UPDATED! In 2021, Hunger Elimination Task Force participants discussed the needs and uses for emergency and supplemental food delivery information. As a result, a guide was developed to help those who provide services to food insecure citizens get nutritious food...
This January, we're offering an opportunity specifically designed for small and beginning specialty crop producers. In 6-week cohorts, we'll cover: Business planning Financial management & securing funding Legal & regulatory requirements Production efficiency...
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...