Our Work
Policy
Advocacy is for All
When policy and regulatory change are called for, the RI Food Policy Council acts as both a forum for issues and a platform for coordinated action. Our policy work is grounded in our vision of a just and resilient food system — one in which all Rhode Islanders have enough to eat and our local farm, fish, and food businesses are thriving.
The Council’s annual legislative priorities are based on members’ interests and advocacy goals. Work groups discuss policy priorities at the beginning of the Council year (Summer), and are officially set each Fall using a modified consensus decision-making process. For the rest of the year (through June) we work to educate and advocate for them.
We want to work with Rhode Islanders who want to promote good food policy and strengthen the capacity of our local and regional food system. Learn more.
The Rhode Island Food Policy Bill Tracker is a reference, covering all legislation affecting the Rhode Island food system and all topics of interest to Council Members. The Tracker is updated daily during the legislative session (January-June), and organized by major impact areas.
Latest Updates
JUNE 16
The 2023 Rhode Island Legislative Session is adjourned. Read RIFPC’s Legislative Wrap Up and Work Group Wrap Up to learn about the bills we tracked this session and the advocacy of our council members.
MAY 9
RIFPC submits letter of SUPPORT for Senate Bill 862: Defining urban and small farmers and exempting them farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible, and personal property taxes, and income taxes.
APRIL 26
Advocating for Food Waste Ban & Food Donation Tax incentive legislation
APRIL 5
RIFPC submits Letter of Support for Gov. McKee’s FY 2024 budget, with request for $5M reserve for farmland preservation
MARCH 22
RIFPC joins American Farmland Trust and over 135 other organizations in signing Letter of Support urging legislators to include dedicated funding in the Farm Bill for one-to-one business technical assistance (BTA) for small and midsized farm and food businesses
MARCH 8
RIFPC hosts Legislative Roundtable: Preserve our Farms
RIFPC Farm Bill Priorities (PDF)
MARCH 7
RIFPC hosts Legislative Roundtable: Healthy School Meals for All
MARCH 2
RIFPC hosts Legislative Roundtable: Tax Incentives for Wasted Food Solutions
FEBRUARY 21
JANUARY 19
Governor McKee Files FY24 “RI Ready” Budget
OUR POLICY PRIORITIES
Here’s what the state needs to do to create a more just and resilient food system by 2030.
Preserve and protect agricultural land
Click here for our 2023-2030 Policy Recommendations for Elected Officials.
The Council welcomes opportunities to discuss these priorities. Please reach out.
Your legislators are listening! Do you want to make your voice heard at the State House?