In part of welcoming more engagement in work groups and advocacy-related efforts, RIFPC was active in creating various channels and holding space for Rhode Islanders to share their perspectives, highlight important issues, and speak up within their personal comfort-levels. We were successful in advocating for equitable food system policy priorities related to food access & public health, food business, seafood, and food & environment by connecting with lawmakers and food systems influencers through:
- Sharing frequent public reminders inviting anyone interested to join in Work Group activity
- Developing and widely sharing RIFPC’s Policy Recommendations for Elected Officials 2023-2030
- Hosting three legislative roundtable events that welcomed 10 legislators, elected officials, representatives from Co-Dels, and other food systems stakeholders
- Launching a new, content-rich website that includes RI’s most comprehensive food systems information database
- Submitting a Letter of Testimony for making it easy for older adults to sign up for SNAP to the RI Legislature
- Memo to General Assembly in Support of $10 Million in Governor’s Budget
- Submitting our network’s priorities to the team planning the national strategy to end hunger, improve nutrition and physical activity, and close the disparities surrounding them (announced at the White House Conference on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition)
- Submitting a Letter of Support for the cottage food bill to RI’s General Assembly
“RIFPC workgroups and sessions have truly made me feel like I have been granted ‘behind the scenes’ access on how certain things happen in RI. In simply attending and listening, I have learned much about processes and have picked up a few resources that I have been able to share with my teams to help in our daily work. The people are always welcoming, and open to share ideas. I am able to speak my mind, share my experience around many topics, and bring the voice of my community with me to these tables.”
— Swanette Salazar, Community Health Worker
Family Service of Rhode Island