Our Work
Hunger Elimination Task Force
Since 2021, RIFPC has served as facilitator of the RI Hunger Elimination Task Force (HETF), in partnership with the RI Department of the Health and the RI Department of Commerce. HETF is a statewide network of food access, nutrition security, and public health champions working to reduce hunger and increase access to healthy, culturally-appropriate food for all RI residents. With more than 150 meeting participants annually, HETF members represent Community Based Organizations, Health Equity Zones, non-profits, emergency food providers, food justice advocates, state agency staff, healthcare professionals, students, and many more.
2024 Hunger Elimination Task Force Meetings
Quarter 1: Food Delivery Solutions
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
Quarter 2: Food System Preparedness & Recovery Plan Feedback Session
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
Quarter 3: 2030 Food Strategy – Feedback
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
Quarter 4: State of the State on Hunger & Unveiling of 2030 Food Strategy and Food System Preparedness &Recovery Plan Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
2024 OBJECTIVES
- Support cross-sector efforts to end hunger by lifting up effective community-based solutions and connecting smaller programs with information to overcome barriers to scale and remain sustainable
- Create opportunities for HETF members to learn and connect with other community-based
organizations, non-profits, state agency staff, and government officials regarding hunger relief
efforts throughout the state - Broaden HETF membership through targeted outreach to build a strong network of actively engaged stakeholders and actors, including engaging more representatives from community-based organizations, Health Equity Zones (HEZ), and community members
HETF was initiated in 2017 by Governor Gina Raimondo to develop recommendations to reduce the state’s food insecurity levels to below 10%, a Relish Rhody target. The group developed and presented a list of recommendations to the Interagency Food and Nutrition Policy Advisory Council (IFNPAC) in 2018. For the following year, HETF communicated these recommendations to the public.
ACTION GROUPS
HETF members are encouraged to join HETF Action Groups. One Action Group meets thrice following every quarterly HETF meeting to review HETF-identified challenges to hunger elimination in Rhode Island and develop policy recommendations for State Agencies. These recommendations are then presented to members of the IFNPAC. Topics for the 2024 Action Groups are:
- Improving Emergency and Supplemental Food Delivery
- Improving State, Local, and Nonprofit Coordination of Emergency Food Distribution
- Increasing Local & Culturally Relevant Meals in FSM Public Schools
- Developing Universal State Benefits Application
Health Program Administrator, Rhode Island Department of Health
HETF Administrator
MEETING RECORDS
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
QUARTER 3
July 9, 2024
- View the recording
- View the presentation deck
- Meeting notes
Coming soon.
QUARTER 4
October 22, 2024
- View the recording
- View the presentation deck
Coming soon.