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Jack Reed

Resource Links for Small Businesses During COVID-19 Crisis

by David Dadekian November 28, 2020

We’re All In This Together

¿Necesitas COVID-1 9 recursos en español? Por favor, póngase en contacto con Dorcas International.

There are a number of resources–on the national level, state level and municipal level–that have been enacted to help small businesses during this time of great need. I receive dozens of messages and emails each day asking what’s out there or do I have more information. Below are links to all the application forms and fact sheets that I’m currently aware of, plus some other resources on unemployment insurance and health.

I am taking all information from official web sites and cannot be responsible for any rule or regulation changes–consult with your accountant, lawyer, loan officer, etc. I can recommend those professionals if you need someone.

Jump down to:

Contact Your Government Representation
CARES Act General Overviews
SBA Coronavirus Pandemic Disaster Loans
Rhode Island Grants and Funding
City and Town Grants and Funding
Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance
Worker Relief Funds
Other Rhode Island Resources
Other National Resources
Mental Health Resources

Contact Your Government Representation

The only way these types of aid get passed is by contacting our representatives at all levels of government and making the need to save small businesses, such as our restaurants, a high priority. Here are contact info and search sites for you to find who you should be talking with.

Senator Jack Reed – 401-528-5200 or 202-224-4642

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse – 401-453-5294 or 202-224-2921

Find Your Representative
– Congressman Jim Langevin – 401-732-9400 or 202-225-2735
– Congressman David Cicilline – 401-729-5600 or 202-225-4911

Governor Gina Raimondo – 401-222-2080 / [email protected]

Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello – 401-222-2466 / [email protected]
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio – 401-222-6655 / [email protected]

Find your Senator and Representative in the RI General Assembly

CARES Act General Overviews

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance FAQ

Independent Restaurant Coalition COVID-19 Legislative Responses: Impact For Small Business

SBA Coronavirus Pandemic Disaster Loans

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources – overview page with funding options, guidance for businesses and other SBA information

Questions? Contact Mark Hayward, Rhode Island District Director and Regional Administrator for Region I at [email protected] or [email protected]

SBA Coronavirus Relief Options:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan including EIDL Forgiveness Advance

Forgiveness Advance of up to $10,000 in 3 business days
3.75% interest rate for businesses, 2.75% interest rate for non-profits of up to $2,000,000 for up to 30 years
Unsecured up to $25,000. No personal guarantee for amounts up to $200,000
Up to 1 year payment deferral, interest will accrue
Apply here

Paycheck Protection Program

U.S. Treasury Information Sheet
American Enterprise Institute summary
Applied via an SBA-certified bank or credit union – find a lender—this is important as I’ve heard from owners around the country who’ve said their bank was not entering this program and they had to find a new bank
Apply directly for the PPP through the Community Reinvestment Fund and Goldman Sachs
I’ve also heard it’s recommended you download and review, if not fill out the sample lender form, though your bank may use a modified version
1% interest rate, borrow up to 250% of average monthly payroll from the past year capped at $100,000 per employee, up to a maximum of $10,000,000, for up to 2 years
Up to 6 months deferral, interest will accrue
Forgiveness: up to 100% as long as loan proceeds amount spent by the borrower during the 8-week period after the origination date of the loan is used for: payroll costs, interest payment on any mortgage incurred prior to February 15, 2020, payment of rent on any lease in force prior to February 15, 2020, and payment on any utility for which service began before February 15, 2020. Employee and compensation levels must be maintained and payroll cost capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee
Any advance amount received under the EIDL Forgiveness Advance will be subtracted from the amount forgiven
Analytix Solutions in Woburn, MA has offered, for free, to figure out your maximum PPP forgiveness amount. Fill out their form.

SBA Express Bridge Loans

For any business that has an existing banking relationship with an SBA-certified lender
Up to $25,000 with an interest rate not to exceed prime + 6.5%, fixed or variable, for a maximum of 7 years

SBA Debt Relief

The SBA will pay the principal, interest, and fees of the above loans for six months
Debt relief is automatic, but you should check with your lender

November 28, 2020 0 comment

chefs & restaurants farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Rhode Island DEM Grant Awards / Hope & Main Receives USDA Grant / Barnaby’s Public House Opening

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019

written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

DEM Promotes Growth of Local Farm Economy with Latest Grant Awards

A total of $276,614 will be invested to support specialty crop production and sales in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

The Department of Environmental Management announced today the award of $276,614 in farm viability grants to seven Rhode Island-based groups working to support local agriculture; the grants are made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and will support efforts to increase specialty crop production and grow the marketplace for these crops in Rhode Island. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops, including floriculture and turf grass.

“We’re delighted to support Rhode Island specialty crop growers and cultivate their practices through this grant round and look forward to the success of these projects,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Congratulations to these grant recipients for their innovative efforts to strengthen markets for specialty crops and foster growth in our state’s farming industry.”

Grant recipients include:

Farm Fresh Rhode Island – $50,000 Funding supports the expansion of the educational component of the farm-to-school program through farm and classroom-based educational opportunities for both students and school nutrition professionals. Field trips will provide hands-on, experiential educational opportunities for Rhode Island children to understand where their food comes from and think critically about the importance of local food. A separate series of field trips will provide professional development opportunities for school nutrition professionals to identify ways to begin or strengthen farm-to-school programming through local specialty crop purchasing practices.

Caserta Productions – $49,984 Funding supports creation of seven new episodes of the Harvesting Rhode Island television series to promote Rhode Island specialty crop growers and educate consumers on the benefits of buying locally-produced crops. New episodes to cover topics including young farmers staying in Rhode Island and the cost of farmland, the relationship between renewable energy and the loss of farmland, climate change, and vertical growing. Discussions with farmers will include organic farming, issues about solar panels and alternative energy on the farmland.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island (NOFA/RI) – $30,950 Funding supports NOFA/RI’s efforts to train and provide technical assistance to local organic farmers. Specifically, efforts will include continuing and enhancing NOFA/RI’s farmer-to-farmer advisor program, a series of on-farm workshops, an advanced growers’ seminar, an educational conference, and enhanced publicity/outreach/education efforts including direct contact with consumers at farmers markets and other venues.

Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) – $29,858 Funding supports efforts to increase the impact of SCLT’s Food Hub, which aggregates and distributes specialty crops grown at urban farm sites in greater Providence, by developing digital platforms for customer ordering and invoicing, and systems for improved inventory control; providing logistical support for the increasing volume of crops sold through the Food Hub and for coordinating with new customers; and increasing the number of access points for low-income, socially disadvantaged community members to buy fresh, healthy produce grown by local farmers; and developing food systems and entrepreneurial competencies for college-age employees.

African Alliance of Rhode Island (AARI) – $14,500 Funding supports AARI’s efforts to expand access to locally grown organic specialty vegetables, greens and value-added products to people living in food desert neighborhoods in upper and lower South Providence. Specifically, the project will support AARI beginning farmers who grow produce for home consumption and to sell at local farmers markets by creating three new pop-up farmers markets in areas where farmers markets do not currently operate and continuing to offer locally-sourced fresh produce at established venues.

Wishing Stone Farm – $12,375 Funding supports the development of technologies and a protocol for no-till vegetable production specific to New England soils and seasonal time horizons. The project will include soil testing to examine fertilizer and moisture needs and ways to increase the amount of organic matter levels in no-till soils. A video will be produced to update farmers on this new technology and a slideshow/talk on no-till vegetable production will be presented at the biennial meeting of the New England Vegetable Growers Association.

Additionally, DEM received $88,947 under USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to strengthen its buy local campaign, “Get Fresh, Buy Local.” The funds will be used to help increase consumer awareness and demand for specialty crop products. Rhode Island is experiencing significant growth in its agricultural and local food sector. The state’s food system now supports 60,000 jobs, and Rhode Island is one of a few states where the number of farms is on the rise, now standing at more than 1,200 farms. The state is a national leader in the percent of its farms selling directly to the public. Green industries in Rhode Island account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy.

State’s Premier Culinary Incubator, Hope & Main, Receives $178,000 Usda Grant To Increase Access To Local Food

Non-Profit Earns Competitive Grant for Unique National Model that Drives Both Supply and Demand for Rhode Island Made Product

Hope & Main opened its doors as a start-up of start-ups and an engine of innovation, small business development, and job creation in Rhode Island’s growing food economy. Founder and President, Lisa Raiola says, “We have been one lesson plan ahead of the class when it comes to developing our incubation program. We had no preconceived ideas about best practices in this market and were deliberate in listening to the needs of our members so we can address major pain points and develop a comprehensive approach to helping new food businesses to launch and scale.”

In its 18,000 square foot shared-use facility in Warren, RI, Hope & Main provides affordable access to four specially-equipped commercial kitchens. “Equally, if not more important to the success of these emerging businesses,” says Raiola, “is the ability to reach direct consumers and purchasers with these new products. Production space is not enough. These entrepreneurs need a partner in promotion. That is where the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) USDA grant comes in.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and an early champion of the Hope & Main concept, said: “Hope & Main was selected for a $178,000 three-year FMPP grant for its innovative incubation model that combines technical assistance for food production with promotional programs that connect makers to direct consumers and large purchasers. I have met many of the producers and makers, and they always have a fascinating story to tell, to go along with delicious food. This grant will help spread the word, help Hope & Main expand its reach, and develop new market opportunities for producers and makers. I commend Lisa Raiola for her vision and leadership, and I hope this innovative incubator will help us continue building a stronger local food system for Rhode Island.”

With the help of funders such as the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Commerce RI and the Rhode Island Foundation, Hope & Main has serviced over 300 food businesses, launched 177 new businesses and assisted 40 businesses to graduate into their own facilities throughout Rhode Island and the region. These 40 graduates have created 351 jobs and have poured millions of dollars into the State’s emerging food sector. In just four years, this non-profit incubator is among the top 10% of all culinary incubators in the country.

The FMPP grant will help Hope & Main to assist members to broaden and diversify access to their products. The funds will support distribution partnerships with Farm Fresh Rhode Island to reach retail and institutional buyers through Market Mobile; and Crave Food Systems with whom they have developed an app to enable consumers to order products directly from members. The grant will support education for members in branding and marketing local products. In addition, with the help of the RI Community Food Bank, funds will help expand access to local food at Hope & Main’s Schoolyard Market and Meet Your Maker market, to food insecure neighbors in the East Bay and throughout Rhode Island.

When asked what is next for Hope & Main, Raiola says as members have graduated the team is excited to help the pipeline of new applicants bring their good food ideas to market. With the recent addition of a Contract Manufacturing Technical Assistance Program through an Innovation Network Matching Grant from the State, Hope & Main can now help start-up food businesses by performing small batch manufacturing for them at their Warren facility. She says, “The ability for our entrepreneurs to get out of the kitchen and on the road to sell their products will help them to scale more rapidly, and reach sustainability sooner.”

Barnaby’s Public House Opening

Barnaby’s Public House, located at 385 Westminster St, Providence, in the historic Conrad Building, is excited to announce its opening in early January.

Barnaby’s will celebrate the era of pre-prohibition, when drinks were serious and American cuisine was simple and delicious. It’s prime location in the Conrad Building, which was erected in 1885 by the new establishment’s namesake, Jerothmul Barnaby, has been completely restored to showcase the Victorian details and the ornate characteristics of the era.

The story and historical significance of Barnaby’s is a key component of the establishment. The scandalous legend and murder of Jerothnul’s wife, Josephine, in 1881 (the first death by mail in the country), will be shared with all guests in a variety of ways ranging from the décor to the food and drinks that will certainly spark curiosity and interest.

Under the leadership of David Bertolini and Michael Santos, owners of Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Barnaby’s will pride itself on offering craft cocktails and beers, fine wines, and an impressive selection that includes whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes.

Barnaby’s will be open 7 days a week, serving its full menu from 11:30 am to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and a late night menu on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar will be open daily from 11:30 am to Midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Please visit www.barnabyspublichouse.com for more information and updates.

May 9, 2019 0 comment

A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo

farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Farm Fresh RI Receives Grant / RI Outstanding Dairy Farm 2018 / Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Wins Beer Award

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019

written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

$4.6M Grant to Farm Fresh RI a Big Win for New England’s Food System

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a $4,628,765 grant awarded to local nonprofit Farm Fresh RI to expand its work increasing access to fresh, locally grown foods across New England. For Rhode Islanders who receive federal food assistance in the form of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, this means more dollars to spend on fresh food. The grant is being used to increase Farm Fresh RI’s existing Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives program to offer an impressive 100% match for SNAP users at select Rhode Island farmers markets, CSAs, and farm stands — doubling the purchasing power of low-income Rhode Islanders to buy more nutritious foods and re-investing those federal dollars into the Rhode Island economy by directly supporting local growers and food businesses. As impactful as this one-to-one match is for the Ocean State, the grant has wide-reaching benefits across the New England region. Marking a new chapter in Farm Fresh RI’s work out of state, the grant now empowers Farm Fresh RI to support the nutrition incentives programs offered by Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont as well, through the creation of the New England Nutrition Incentive Collaborative (NENIC).

“We are very pleased that we were able to receive this funding, and support two key constituencies: local growers and our neighbors in need of nutrition assistance.” said Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Director of Farm Fresh RI. “This connection is at the core of our mission. We are also very excited to support our colleagues across New England who are partners on this ambitious project.”

The grant awarded to Farm Fresh RI, administered by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, is the largest of 24 grants totaling $21M awarded nationwide by the USDA this week.

“Fresh, nutritious, and locally grown fruits and vegetables should be accessible to everybody, and I’m glad to see the USDA provide Farm Fresh RI the funding for this project,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. In May, Senator Reed wrote a letter to the USDA in support of Farm Fresh RI’s grant application. “The incentives NENIC will provide to encourage the purchase of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables at farmers markets lead to healthier lifestyles for SNAP recipients while at the same time boosting our state’s agricultural economy. This is truly a win-win for Rhode Island. I congratulate Farm Fresh RI for receiving this funding, and I will continue my work to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have greater access to nutritious and affordable foods.”

Farmers markets play an important role in increasing the availability and accessibility of local foods. They offer more places for local farmers and producers to sell their products, and invite the local community to gather over a variety of fresh foods in their own neighborhoods. In summertime, over 40 farmers markets across Rhode Island not only provide eaters with a reliable source for nutritious, locally sourced options but help build community, protect greenspace, and grow the potential for job creation in Rhode Island by directing food dollars to marketplaces that support local farms and food businesses. Nutrition incentives, like Farm Fresh RI’s Bonus Bucks and the similar programs offered by other NENIC states, enable a greater percentage of the community to take part — putting fresh, local foods within reach by making the healthy choice an easier choice for people with limited food budgets.

“In some low-income neighborhoods, Farm Fresh Rhode Island markets are the only place where reasonably priced fruits and vegetables are sold,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “This significant federal grant will help more families use SNAP benefits at local farmers markets to put fresh, healthy food on the table.”

For many people across New England, nutrition incentives make the critical difference in being able to shop for fresh food at farmers markets. In 2017, 29 weekly farmers markets in Rhode Island accepted SNAP, impacting sales for 78 farms and 65 locally owned food producers. At these markets, Rhode Islanders spent over $105,000 in SNAP dollars, which went to local food businesses, and Farm Fresh RI distributed over $70,000 in Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives to families enrolled in SNAP and WIC programs in Rhode Island. With this new FINI grant, NENIC hopes to reach over 20,000 consumers at over 250 outlets across New England.

“As a SNAP participant and farmers market staff, I experience the benefits from both sides of the table,” explained Tara, a customer and employee at the Coastal Growers Market at Casey Farm in Saunderstown, RI. “Bonus Bucks enables me to purchase about 90% of my groceries from local growers and food artisans at the only place I want to shop: farmers markets. Educating the public about this incentives program and seeing the range of emotions it elicits—from surprise to excitement to deep gratitude—affirms my continuing dedication to increasing food access for all.”

To locate the many farmers markets in RI that accept SNAP and provide Bonus Bucks, community members can use the search tool provided by Farm Fresh RI at www.farmfreshri.org/ebt.

Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich Named 2018 Outstanding Rhode Island Dairy Farm

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich has been named Rhode Island’s 2018 Outstanding Dairy Farm by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee of which DEM is a member.

“Rhode Island has a rich agricultural heritage and it’s important to recognize farmers who through business acumen, innovation, and long hard hours are contributing so much to our food supply, the economy, and their families and communities,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo.

“Breene Hollow Farm is one of our state’s finest dairy farms and is most deserving of this special recognition,” said DEM Chief of Agriculture Ken Ayars. “Rhode Island has become a destination for agriculture and food tourism and food-related business incubation. Dairy farming, however, has experienced a decline in recent years in Rhode Island – as elsewhere nationally. This award program shines an important light on the value of dairy farming to our state. Kudos to Breene Hollow Farm and the Green Pastures Committee for their commitment to the viability of this important local industry.”

DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to promote local agriculture. The state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year. And local agriculture continues to be an area ripe for growth – with the number of farms in Rhode Island on the rise and a growing young farmer network. Breene Hollow Farm, a member of the Agri-Mark Cooperative and Rhody Fresh Milk, was selected for this year’s award because of the Breene family’s long-term commitment to dairy farming and community ties.

Kevin Breene established Breene Hollow Farm with 20 cows at his parents’ home in 1977 upon his graduation from the University of Connecticut. In 1980, he bought 150 acres of land at the farm’s present location in West Greenwich, and built a new free-stall barn and milking parlor. Over the years, several abutting properties were purchased, bringing the farm’s total acreage to 360 acres. The farm currently milks 50 cows and has 90 head in total consisting of registered Holsteins, Jerseys, and Ayrshires. Crops include 20 acres of corn and 45 acres of hay land and pasture. Corn silage is also purchased from a neighboring farm and the cows are fed a total mixed ration twice a day. The remainder of the farm is managed forestland with continual harvesting of firewood and saw logs. Manure is hauled daily to fields and spread in the spring and fall, and a manure storage facility designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service is in use.

Breene Hollow Farm is operated by Kevin Breene, who does the crop work and cares for the young-stock; and his daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Matt, who run the milking operation. Melissa attended the University of Connecticut and Matt has a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Paul Smith College. Like Melissa, Matt also comes from a farming background and grew up working on his grandfather’s dairy farm.

The entire Breene family is actively involved in the community. Kevin has served as West Greenwich Town Administrator for the past 16 years and previously was a RI state senator for 12 years. He also is involved in 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Exeter Grange, and previously served as state chairman of the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Melissa is the dairy chair and vice president of the local 4-H Fair and chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers group for the RI Farm Bureau. She is a former 4-H member, past state vice president of FFA, and past president of Agri-Mark Young Co-operators.

The Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year award is sponsored by the New England Green Pastures Committee, made up of government and industry members. Membership in the committee is coordinated by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council and the DEM Division of Agriculture. Winning dairy farmers from each New England state will be honored on September 14 at the Big E Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Wins World’s Best Wood Aged Beer at World Beer Awards

The Rhode Island Brewstillery’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale Prevailed Over 12 Other Country Winners

Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale won the title of World’s Best Wood Aged Beer at the prestigious World Beer Awards in London. First recognized as USA’s Best Wood Aged Beer in Round 1, the beer then beat out all other country winners for the style in Round 2 for the World’s Best title. Sons of Liberty also received a Gold Medal for Golden Sour and a Silver Medal for 3 Not So Wise Men – both in the Sour Ale category.

“Just earning a Gold is awesome, but to be named the best in the world for something…that’s truly an honor,” Wil Santiago, Head Brewer, said of the results. “We’re especially proud of this beer because it’s unique to who we are and what we do.”

Sons of Liberty’s flagship whiskey, Uprising, is distilled from a house-brewed stout beer. The winning beer was that same stout aged in barrels that once aged the Uprising whiskey. A barrel aged beer taking on flavors from the whiskey that it was originally distilled into is not something one comes across often.

“Since 2011 we’ve been brewing beers and distilling them into whiskies,” explained Head Distiller Chris Guillette. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve focused on crafting multiple generations of products from one mash bill, similar to a chef’s nose-to-tail style of cooking, use everything you have.”

The team at Sons of Liberty has released 12 different iterations of their Uprising stout mash including six different barrel aged beers. “One of the benefits of being a distillery is the number of barrels we have at our disposal,” said Sons of Liberty owner Mike Reppucci. “We have a lot of fun and interesting beers sitting in barrels that we’re really looking forward to sharing with everyone.”

On September 20^th, Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale has the chance to be named World’s Best Flavored Beer as it competes in Round 3 against six other World’s Best style winners within the Flavored category. Sons of Liberty has earned over 100 awards for their spirits and company since 2012, but are now gaining more traction with their beer offerings.

Full results from the 2018 World Beer Awards (Round 1 & 2) can be found here: http://www.worldbeerawards.com/shares/Style-Winner-results.pdf

May 9, 2019 0 comment

Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey

farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Wins Award / Truck Stop to benefit the RI Community Food Bank Fundraising / Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Grants

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019

written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Wins Gold at World Whiskies Awards

The Rhode Island Distillery Earned Gold For Its Limited Release Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits took home a Gold medal in the American Flavored Whiskey category for their limited-edition Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey. This continues Sons of Liberty’s title as New England’s most awarded distillery and marks the 9th award received from the prestigious Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards since 2014.
Sons of Liberty’s Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey was a limited release in the Fall of 2017, but there are plans to do another, larger release in the future. Starting with their standard Bourbon Whiskey, distilled from 100% Rhode Island grown corn and aged in new American Oak barrels, they finish the whiskey for an additional 10 months in barrels that were used to age maple syrup.

“Finishing the whiskey this way, instead of just adding maple syrup, allowed us to incorporate a subtle maple flavor that did not ruin the integrity of the whiskey, rather just enhanced its overall complexity,” said Sons of Liberty founder Mike Reppucci.

Single Barrel Cellar (Wakefield, MA) focuses on the production of small batch barrel-aged artisanal goods. One of their products, a barrel aged maple syrup, was aged in Sons of Liberty’s ex-Bourbon barrels. When complete, Sons of Liberty takes those barrels back to use in finishing their Bourbon Whiskey. Brad Coyle, Single Barrel Cellar co-founder said of the whiskey, “We were blown away with how smooth and clean the whiskey turned out. We really liked how the maple didn’t overpower the whiskey but complemented it. We were extremely honored to be part of creating an award-winning whiskey with Sons of Liberty.”

Sons of Liberty continues to distribute their standard offerings, most notably their Uprising and Battle Cry Single Malts, but their limited release products have been garnering increasing recognition. “We like to play,” said Reppucci. “It’s fun to introduce new iterations and styles of products and see how the market responds to them. It’s a great test to see if we should make a limited product more widely available.”

Truck Stop Benefit Raises $150,000 for RI Community Food Bank

More than 600 people attended the event featuring gourmet tastings from 23 local food trucks.

Eat Drink RI Festival 2018 Truck Stop, photo by David Dadekian

Last Friday ‘s Truck Stop event at the Rhode Island Food Bank raised more than $150,000 to support the Food Bank’s ongoing efforts to feed hungry Rhode Islanders.

“We are so thankful to our generous sponsors and guests who helped us raise funds to feed our neighbors in need of food assistance across the state,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “Every year, the community comes together in an amazing way to support this event.”

For the sixth year, the Food Bank’s event featured gourmet food trucks as part of the weekend’s Eat Drink RI Festival which showcases local chefs, restaurants and food entrepreneurs.

More than 600 guests attended including Governor Gina Raimondo with First Gentleman Andy Moffit and Senator Jack Reed.

Participating vendors included: Bon Me, Citizen Wing, Ellie’s Bakery, Food 4 Good, Friskie Fries, Fugo, Gastros, Gilded Tomato, Gotta Q, Hometown Poké, Incred-A-Bowl, Like No Udder, Mijos Tacos, Ming’s Asian Street Food, Noble Knots, Open Season, Portu-Galo, Presto Strange O, Red’s, RI Community Food Bank Community Kitchen, Rhody Roots, Rocket Fine Street Food and Sarcastic Sweets. Beverages were provided by Jonathan Edwards Winery, Revival Brewing Company, and Yacht Club Soda. Live music was performed by Superchief Trio.

Once again the event was sponsored by Stop & Shop along with IGT, Collette, Washington Trust, Webster Bank and many other generous donors.

For more information on the Food Bank, visit www.rifoodbank.org

Raimondo, DEM, Partners Announce Over $210,000 In Grants to Local Food Businesses

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), along with its partners, today awarded over $210,000 to 21 local food businesses as part of its annual Agriculture “Ag” Day celebration at the State House. The awards, funded under the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program, help new and existing small businesses and food initiatives prosper in Rhode Island.

“Agriculture Day shines a bright light on Rhode Island’s vibrant food scene and rich agricultural and fishing heritage,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “Today’s Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grants will help nurture new food ventures and grow our state’s green economy. I congratulate all grant recipients and look forward to celebrating the success of these outstanding initiatives.”

Now in its fifth year, LASA has provided over $1.1 million – through grants up to $20,000 – to support growth of Rhode Island’s local food economy. The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.

“I’m thrilled to award these grants to help farmers, fishers and food businesses start or expand their operations in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Our state has a vibrant food scene and rich agricultural and fishing heritage, and I look forward to the initiatives and businesses this latest grant round will help inspire.”

“The LASA program has inspired Rhode Island’s agriculture and seafood businesses to innovate and grow,” said Nessa Richman, Network Director for the RI Food Policy Council. “Results from the first comprehensive evaluation of the program show impacts in terms of new product, new markets, increased sales, jobs created, and more that exceed expectations. Funds like this are a key part of the infrastructure for a local food economy.”

The 2018 LASA grant awards include:

African Alliance of RI, Providence/Johnston, $15,140:

To support community garden/farm efforts though purchase of equipment/supplies and a part-time farm manager

Carl Berg, Little Compton, $5,500:

To improve aquaculture production and markets for Sakonnet-grown shellfish

Ester & Joel Bishop, Tiverton, $7,000:

To purchase a mobile processing unit for poultry

Blackstone Bees, LLC, Smithfield, $10,000:

To create a new, sizeable apiary

Deep Roots Farm, Chepachet, $5,794:

To purchase two grain bins to hold chicken and pig feed, bulk feeders, and equipment to move grain around the farm

Eating with the Ecosystem, Statewide, $12,000:

To support outreach and marketing of local seafood

Garman Farm, Newport, $6,150:

To construct a wood-framed shed for equipment storage/wash-and-pack line

Herb & Forage LLC, North Kingstown, $8,086:

To construct a facility for safe washing and storage

Hope’s Harvest RI, Statewide, $9,000:

To support farmer participation in farm gleaning project

Robert F.D. Payne, Exeter, $18,200:

To provide seed money for the South County Sustainable Tool Library

Rachel Playe, Providence, $12,825:

To build a drying shed for medicinal herbs

Rhode Island Land Access Work Group, Statewide, $18,000:

To support the organization’s farm succession school and farm match program, and produce three RI farm “success stories”

Joel Russell, Hopkinton, $7,000:

For contracted labor to design and install a public water system on the farm property

Sanctuary Herbs of Providence, Providence, $6,500:

For purchase of a tea-bagging machine to help further develop market for local tea in Rhode Island while working with refugee farmers

Skinny Dip Farm, Little Compton, $9,982:

To purchase a walk-in cooler, thermometer, and hydrometer

Sweet Pea Farm, Charlestown, $6,115:

To construct a wash station and a walk-in cooler

Urban Greens Food Co-op, Providence, $19,500:

To support development of kitchen to help increase capacity for processing and use of local ingredients

Samantha Vallone & William Morin, Chepachet, $6,025:

To construct a wash-and-pack station and expand cold storage capacity

Westbay Community Action/Westbay Farm, Warwick, $12,200:

To build a root cellar to expand capacity of community farm

Nathaniel Wood & Adam Graffunder, Johnston, $6,940:

For purchase of farming equipment to increase the efficiency of the no-till, bio-intensive farming operation at Snake Den Farm

Young Farmer Network, Statewide, $11,140:

To support education programming and network development for young farmers in Rhode Island

In partnership with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, LASA is funded by the state with generous support from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. In addition to the above grant awards, $20,000 is directed to DEM and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative to support the state’s local seafood campaign, RI Seafood. Local seafood is poised to spur the next wave of food-based economic growth. Last year, more than 100 million pounds of seafood arrived at a local port, with an export value over $1 billion.

May 9, 2019 0 comment

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