“FOOD INSECURITY” RI SENATE
Dear Friend,
Food insecurity is a serious crisis – one that has grown more visible, and more urgent, in the wake of the pandemic. Far too many people, in every corner of our state, regularly struggle to put affordable, nutritious food on the table. According to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 1 in 3 households are food insecure, including 38% of households with children. These are our family members, friends, and neighbors, and they deserve better.
In the Senate, the issues most important to Rhode Island’s working families have been – and remain – an unwavering priority. Food insecurity is at the top of that list, and this week, we celebrated the launch of an innovative new initiative that will have a positive impact on the daily lives of families across our state.
The “Eat Well, Be Well” pilot is the first statewide program of its kind in the country. Championed by Whip Valarie Lawson, who took part in a North Providence kick-off event on Tuesday alongside Senator Jonathon Acosta, the program provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients with additional monthly benefits for purchasing eligible fruits and vegetables at participating retailers.
This incentive provides 50 cents for every $1 spent, up to $25 a month – so by spending $50 a month on fruits and vegetables, SNAP recipients will receive an additional $25 in benefits. The incentive is accessible automatically at checkout.
Currently, there are about 140,000 SNAP recipients in Rhode Island. No family in our state should ever go hungry – and access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables should never be beyond the means of our most vulnerable neighbors. “Eat Well, Be Well” will enhance people’s buying power while making healthy options more accessible and affordable to those who need them most. We cannot think of a more important investment.
Going forward, we hope this pilot program becomes a permanent fixture of our support for working Rhode Islanders – and an example of what we can achieve through innovation and collaboration.
Sincerely,
Donny, Ryan, and Val