Close to 100 attendees gathered on September 8 at the Providence Public Library for Rhode Island Food Policy Council’s Policy Retreat. The annual event launches the Council’s work on selecting policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
The day began with an address from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, who shared information on her office’s “Fair Price Grocery Agenda,” a four-bill legislative package that addresses supply-chain fairness, digital pricing and consumer protections, and food deserts. “Council members were excited about how the legislation could lead to a fairer environment for food businesses while increasing Rhode Islanders’ access to fresh foods,” says RIFPC Associate Director for Network Rachel Newman Greene.
RIFPC honored Senator V. Susan Sosnowski and Representative Michelle McGaw with its 2025 Changemaker Awards. The annual awards honor two outstanding Rhode Island legislators for their leadership in driving good food policy forward. In presenting the awards, RIFPC President Diane Lynch noted that Rep. McGaw (District 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton) has pushed for the state to strengthen its commitments to the environment and clean energy and is a tireless advocate for farmers on many issues, including sponsoring HB 5534, the Urban & Small Farm Success Initiative, which would exempt certain urban and small farms from specific state taxes. Lynch noted that Sen. Sosnowski (District 37, South Kingstown) is a leading voice on issues related to Rhode Island’s coastal communities and has championed numerous pieces of legislation aimed at supporting the state’s fishing and seafood industries. A family farmer, she also has advanced multiple bills to aid Rhode Island farmers and small businesses, including legislation allowing breweries and distilleries to sell their products to on-site visitors.
Sosnowski and McGaw join previous awardees—Senators Lou DiPalma and Tiara Mack and Representatives Carol Hagan McEntee and Terri Cortvriend—as champions of a more just and resilient food system.
Watch Policy Retreat welcome, Lt. Governor Matos’s address, and Changemaker Awards on Capitol TV
The attendees broke into three work groups focusing on food access and nutrition security; food business and economic development;and food, climate, and the environment. Their work will continue this month as work groups convene to refine and choose the most pressing policy issues for the 2025-26 legislative cycle. The day concluded with networking at the Culinary Hub of Providence, or CHOP, located on the first floor of the library.
“It’s by far the biggest Policy Retreat we’ve ever had,” says Rachel Newman Greene, RIFPC’s associate director for network. The record-breaking attendance (the 2024 retreat drew 65 attendees) “is indicative of the Rhode Island community knowing this is a time we need to come together to address the challenges around funding and policy. It’s time to step up and address the larger issues impacting our food system locally and nationally.”
“The library was a great location for the retreat,” Greene adds. “We heard a lot of positive feedback and we are so grateful for the use of this amazing space.”
