Declaring March 27, 2026, to Be "Good Food Policy Day" in Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Good Food Policy Day is the Rhode Island Food Policy Council's (RIFPC) annual celebration of the importance of food advocacy, ensuring that all food stakeholders' voices are heard. People gather to raise awareness about food system issues that RIFPC cares about, and advocates for and speaks directly with legislators about why the RIFPC agenda would make life better for all Rhode Islanders; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Food Policy Council advocates for increasing the production of, and the demand for, local food, encourages the development of a thriving and just food economy, ensures access to affordable, healthful, culturally relevant food for all residents, and works towards community health for all residents; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Food Policy Council also supports passing legislation that promotes urban and small farm success, healthy school meals, and support for businesses that donate surplus food; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby declares March 27, 2026, to be "Good Food Policy Day" in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House recognizes and expresses gratitude to the RIFPC Executive Director, Nessa J. Richman, Food, Climate and Environment Program Director, Isaac Bearg, Associate Director for Operations, Josh Daly, Associate Director for Network, Rachel Newman Greene, Program Associate- Food, Climate, Environment, Isaac Reid, and the Compost Data & Policy Intern , Arybella Thuel; 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 Ms. Nessa J. Richman, Executive Director, Rhode Island Food Policy Council.