Our Work

Food Access & Nutrition

Working to build equitable solutions to food access and nutrition problems.

All Rhode Islanders deserve consistent access, availability, and affordability of foods and beverages that promote well-being. The Council works to better understand and dismantle barriers to healthy, nourishing food caused by poverty, systemic inequities, limited mobility, and other complexities. These activities are informed and strengthened through collaboration with partners across Rhode Island, from state led organizations to community based programs. We are committed to promoting and implementing strategic solutions that build a more resilient local food system.

RIFPC seeks to reduce hunger and increase access to healthy, culturally relevant food for all Rhode Islanders.

RI Hunger Elimination Task Force

RIFPC serves as the state’s facilitator of the Hunger Elimination Task Force on behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Health. Click Here to Learn More & Join.

We prioritize:

  • Equitable access to fresh, local, culturally relevant and nourishing food
  • Supporting programs such as vegetable prescription programs, farmers markets, as well as programs like Seafood for All, and Nourish Our Neighbors.
  • Policies and programs that improve food and nutrition access options for people with limited/no access to transportation
  • Programs that allow individuals without proof of citizenship to access fresh, healthy food
  • Healthy nutrition incentives in retail settings where SNAP participants can receive discounted fresh produce
  • Opportunities to provide technical assistance for smaller retail outlets to accept SNAP
  • Programs and policies that advance food sovereignty in the state, such as community gardens and small scale food businesses
  • Solutions and programs that invest in RI’s physical and human local food security infrastructure
RIFPC workgroups and sessions have truly made me feel like I have been granted a “behind the scenes” access on how certain things happen in RI. In simply attending and listening, I have learned much about processes and have picked up a few resources that I have been able to share with my teams to help in our daily work. The people are always welcoming, and open to share ideas. I am able to speak my mind, share my experience around many topics, and bring the voice of my community with me to these tables.”

– Swanette Salazar, Community Health Worker
Family Service of Rhode Island