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H 7259Funding & Budget

H7259 - Rhode Island 2026

This resolution appropriates $3 million to the Rhode Island Food Bank to combat rising food insecurity and offset recent federal SNAP benefit cuts.

Held for study
Population
Affected
50
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Introduced Jan 21, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a $3,000,000 appropriation from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is intended to address historic highs in demand for emergency food assistance across the state, ensuring that local pantries can maintain adequate supplies for vulnerable populations.

The legislation highlights the severe scope of the current hunger crisis, noting that over 102,000 Rhode Islanders sought assistance from area food pantries in late 2025, and approximately one in three households are currently facing food insecurity. This increased demand is heavily exacerbated by recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resulting from congressional legislation passed in July 2025. These federal cuts are projected to reduce or completely eliminate benefits for nearly 32,000 state residents, resulting in an estimated $9.5 million loss in federal food assistance for Rhode Island families.

By providing this $3 million state appropriation, the bill aims to help the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and its extensive network of 137 member agencies bridge the gap created by federal cuts and rising local needs. The state controller is formally authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer to disburse these funds upon the receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, ensuring the money is distributed efficiently to combat food insecurity.

For younger readers

This bill gives $3 million to the Rhode Island Food Bank to help buy food for people who need it. Because the federal government recently cut some food assistance programs, more families are relying on local food pantries. This money will make sure the food bank has enough supplies to feed everyone who is hungry.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups
Low-income Rhode IslandersSNAP recipientsRhode Island Community Food BankLocal food pantries and member agencies

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. This is a standard legislative appropriation of state funds for a recognized public purpose.

Estimated cost
$3,000,000
Estimated revenue
Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints
For Progressives
  • Directly addresses food insecurity and poverty among vulnerable populations.
  • Mitigates the harmful impact of federal cuts to social safety nets like SNAP.
  • Supports a vast network of local community agencies that provide direct aid to residents.
  • May be seen as a temporary band-aid rather than a systemic solution to poverty and food insecurity.
  • The $3 million appropriation does not fully cover the $9.5 million gap left by federal SNAP cuts.
  • Relies on a charity model rather than providing direct cash or food assistance to families.
For Conservatives
  • Utilizes an established non-profit organization (RI Food Bank) rather than creating a new government bureaucracy.
  • Helps local communities manage emergency needs efficiently through existing networks.
  • Addresses a clear, immediate crisis without permanently expanding state entitlement programs.
  • Increases state spending by $3,000,000.
  • Uses state taxpayer funds to backfill federal budget cuts.
  • May be viewed as an unnecessary state intervention if private charitable donations could potentially cover the gap.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

WHEREAS, The demand for emergency food assistance reached historic highs in Rhode Island in 2025, with over 102,0 Rhode Islanders receiving assistance from an area food pantry in November of 2025; and

WHEREAS, One in three Rhode Island households are facing food insecurity; and

WHEREAS, Almost 32,0 Rhode Islanders will see their SNAP benefits reduced or stopped altogether due to federal SNAP changes from Congress’s passage of H.R.1 legislation in July of 2025; and

WHEREAS, The loss of SNAP benefits to Rhode Islanders will equal $9.5 million dollars; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who lose SNAP or have reduced benefits will need to rely more on area food pantries; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Community Food Bank provides food and support to 137 member agencies in every area of Rhode Island and has seen their federal support for food already reduced; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of three million dollars ($3,000,000) to the Rhode Island Food Bank; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,0 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $3,000,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.