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S 2240Funding & Budget

S2240 - Rhode Island 2026

Appropriates $2,000,000 to the Elisha Project to combat food insecurity in Rhode Island.

Introduced
Population
Affected
35
Email Legislator
Introduced Jan 23, 2026Committee Senate Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a $2,000,000 appropriation from the Rhode Island state treasury to the Elisha Project for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are specifically designated to support the organization's ongoing, daily efforts to combat food insecurity across the state, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential nutrition.

The Elisha Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an operations center based in Pawtucket. It focuses on providing food and other daily necessities to individuals and families in need, particularly within Pawtucket, the Blackstone Valley, and the broader Rhode Island community. The organization serves various demographics, including children, veterans, and families, and has historically distributed over twenty million meals since its founding. The resolution notes that as the cost of living remains high for families, the demand for the Elisha Project's assistance is expected to increase.

If passed, the state controller would be authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer to pay the $2,000,000 sum. These payments would be distributed in portions as required from time to time, contingent upon the receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. This funding mechanism aims to bolster the community safety net, leveraging a private nonprofit's existing infrastructure to deliver public assistance efficiently.

For younger readers

This bill gives $2 million to a charity called the Elisha Project. This charity helps give food and other important items to families who don't have enough to eat. The money will help them feed more people in Rhode Island.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups
Low-income familiesChildrenVeteransThe Elisha ProjectRhode Island taxpayers
Impacted communities
Pawtucket

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low

Estimated cost
$2,000,000
Estimated revenue
Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints
For Progressives
  • Directly addresses food insecurity and poverty in vulnerable communities.
  • Supports a community-based nonprofit that aids specific at-risk populations like children and veterans.
  • Provides a strong safety net during times of high living costs and inflation.
  • Relies on a private nonprofit rather than expanding systemic, state-run welfare programs.
  • Provides one-time funding rather than a permanent structural solution to food insecurity.
  • May lack the stringent state oversight and equitable distribution mandates required of direct government assistance programs.
For Conservatives
  • Utilizes a private, community-based 501(c)(3) organization rather than creating a new government bureaucracy.
  • Directly supports veterans and families in need.
  • Encourages community service, sharing, and local volunteerism to solve social issues.
  • Increases state spending by $2,000,000.
  • Directs taxpayer money to a specific private organization (earmarking) rather than using a competitive grant process.
  • Does not specify strict performance metrics or return-on-investment requirements for the funds.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

WHEREAS, Thousands of Rhode Island families experience food insecurity at a given point each year; and

WHEREAS, The Elisha Project is a 501(c)3 organization, whose operations center is located in Pawtucket, is dedicated to combatting food insecurity in Pawtucket and elsewhere in the Blackstone Valley and in the State of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The Elisha Project is a movement that is focused on bringing diverse communities together through service, sharing, teaching and learning – in order to make a positive impact in all communities; and

WHEREAS, The Elisha Project is a community safety net that provides food and other necessities to people who are in need every day, and as costs for families continue to be high, the need for the Elisha Project’s assistance will most assuredly increase; and

WHEREAS, The Elisha Project serves all aspects of the community, including providing programming specifically for children, veterans, and families; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, the Elisha Project has shared over twenty million meals to deserving families; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the Elisha Project; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his 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 $2,000,0 TO THE ELISHA PROJECT *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $2,000,000 to the Elisha Project.