2026 -- S 2335

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LC004097

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JANUARY 27, 2026 TO BE “RHODE ISLAND FOOD INSECURITY

AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Senators Valverde, Mack, Zurier, Dimitri, Appollonio, Famiglietti, Euer,
Urso, Bissaillon, and DiMario

     Date Introduced: January 27, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, In 2025, a record number of Rhode Islanders needed food assistance due to

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high food prices, the steep rise in housing costs, and the end of COVID-19 relief programs; and

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     WHEREAS, According to the 2026 annual Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island,

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nearly one out of every five or 34% of Rhode Island households are unable to meet their basic

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food needs; and

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     WHEREAS, Communities of color are at the greatest risk of hunger, such that while 27%

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of white households are food insecure, the rate is 50% among Black households, 58% among

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Latino households, and 44% among all other households (including Asian, Native American, and

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more than one race/ethnicity); and

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     WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2025, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (“Food Bank”)

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distributed 18.5 million pounds of food through its 147 member agencies across Rhode Island;

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and

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     WHEREAS, The Food Bank’s statewide network of 137 member agencies served an

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average of 85,000 individuals per month in 2025 (January through September), an increase of 5%

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from the previous year when an average 82,000 people were served monthly; and

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     WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2026 the Food Bank will spend $7 million on food acquisition

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to keep pace with the high demand for food assistance; and

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     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island is committed to addressing the health and

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wellbeing of its residents by continuing public awareness of increased food insecurity and

 

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seeking ways to address this increased need; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims January 27,

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2026, to be “Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day” in the State of Rhode Island; and be

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it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, The

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Honorable Daniel J. Mckee.

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LC004097

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