Proclaiming January 27, 2026 to Be “Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day” in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, In 2025, a record number of Rhode Islanders needed food assistance due to high food prices, the steep rise in housing costs, and the end of COVID-19 relief programs; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2026 annual Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island, nearly one out of every five or 34% of Rhode Island households are unable to meet their basic food needs; and

WHEREAS, Communities of color are at the greatest risk of hunger, such that while 27% of white households are food insecure, the rate is 50% among Black households, 58% among Latino households, and 44% among all other households (including Asian, Native American, and more than one race/ethnicity); and

WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2025, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (“Food Bank”) distributed 18.5 million pounds of food through its 147 member agencies across Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The Food Bank’s statewide network of 137 member agencies served an average of 85,000 individuals per month in 2025 (January through September), an increase of 5% from the previous year when an average 82,000 people were served monthly; and

WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2026 the Food Bank will spend $7 million on food acquisition to keep pace with the high demand for food assistance; and

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island is committed to addressing the health and wellbeing of its residents by continuing public awareness of increased food insecurity and seeking ways to address this increased need; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims January 27, 2026, to be “Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, The Honorable Daniel J. Mckee.