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Chef Benjamin Sukle Cooking at Wild Harmony Farm on Sept. 4, 2019, photo from Eat Drink RI
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News Bites: Oberlin’s Chef Sukle Opening New Spot and Announces Move / Rhody Feeding Rhody Awarded USDA Grant / Rory’s Market Launces Fresh Produce Program

by David Dadekian November 14, 2022
written by David Dadekian

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


Chef/Owner Benjamin Sukle Announces New Restaurant, Gift Horse, to Open this Spring; Additionally, Oberlin will move to new location, directly across the street this Summer

Chef Benjamin Sukle Cooking at Wild Harmony Farm on Sept. 4, 2019, photo from Eat Drink RI
Chef Benjamin Sukle Cooking at Wild Harmony Farm on Sept. 4, 2019, photo from Eat Drink RI

Chef/Owner Benjamin Sukle of Oberlin (which opened in 2016) in Providence, Rhode Island, will be opening a new restaurant this Spring 2023, Gift Horse (address: 272 Westminster Street). The tongue and cheek saying which the restaurant borrows its name should offer a preview to the eccentric, playful tone the team hopes to achieve. With a strong focus on local shellfish, seafood, and catches from New England waters via raw bar dining in a style distinctive of Chef Sukle’s approach to seasonality, as well as the cultivated relationships he has with farmers and fishermen alike. One unique distinction is the oysters featured on the menu will predominantly be harvested from different bays around the state or within very close proximity.*  The beverage program will feature an expanded wine list, and highlight low ABV cocktails as well–think creative takes on Spritzes inspired by the Mediterranean coast. *More info on oyster programming available. 

Additionally, Oberlin which is currently located at 186 Union Street in downtown Providence will move directly across the street to a new location this Summer to 266 Westminster Street. The team plans to close the restaurant for a brief time to anticipate and prepare for the new location’s opening. Benjamin and team will expand hours of operation to add lunch and brunch service. The change of location promises to continue to offer the same experience diners have come to expect in the past six years, along with many added amenities including a new wood-burning oven–which will serve as the heart of the restaurant influencing respective seafood and vegetables dishes alike–a larger wine cellar and bar program, and overall more expansive footprint with additional seating, along with options for private dining and catering. The new location–being adjacent to Grant’s Block Park–allows for an expansive outdoor patio and bar, which will be weather proofed with a retractable roof and heaters to extend seasonal dining. Longtime general manager, Bethany Caliaro, will join as a partner in the restaurants as well.


“Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance” Gets The Greenlight From USDA

Rhode Island Food Policy Council awarded $498K grant to fortify RI’s emergency food network while supporting local farms and fisheries

Movement Ground Farm in Tiverton, Rhode Island, photo courtesy of RI Food Policy Council

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council has been awarded a $498K grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to launch the “Serving the Food Insecure Market: Connecting Rhode Island Farmers and Fishermen with Our Emergency Feeding Network” project. Implementation partners include Farm Fresh RI, Southside Community Land Trust, and the Commercial Fisheries Center of RI The Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance will work with emergency food providers to build sustainable market channels between local farmers and fishers and Rhode Island residents in need of  fresh, local, culturally-appropriate food.

This project was strongly supported by Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation. A joint letter of support was signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jim Langevin and Rep. David Cicilline.

“This federal funding will help feed the hungry and expand opportunities for local food producers and businesses.  Rhode Island has amazing food and this collaborative effort will help the Rhode Island Food Policy Council and their partners find new ways to improve marketing, transportation, and distribution of local food and strengthen supply chains for food businesses,” said Senator Reed.

“I’m pleased to have helped secure the funding to stand up the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance, an innovative partnership that will connect fresh food from local farmers and fishermen to Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity,” said Whitehouse.  “This initiative will strengthen our food supply chain, boost the market for local agriculture and seafood businesses, and provide healthy food to our neighbors in need.”

“All Rhode Islanders deserve access to safe and nutritious food, which is why I’m so happy to deliver these crucial federal dollars to launch the ‘Rhody Feeding Rhody’ Alliance,” said Rep. Jim Langevin. “This new partnership will establish a critical connection between Rhode Island’s underserved communities and our best-in-class farmers and fishers, so that families experiencing food insecurity can enjoy the fresh produce and seafood produced right here at home.”

“Congratulations to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council and all of the tremendous local organizations who will be partnering for the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance,” said Congressman Cicilline. “I was thrilled to advocate to USDA for this innovative project. This effort will build a more resilient food system that not only addresses food insecurity but also supports our local producers and growers. It’s a win for our farmers and fishers and helps our vulnerable neighbors.”

Eva Agudelo, Farm Fresh RI’s Hope’s Harvest Executive Director, notes “This funding strengthens the work Farm Fresh RI does to bring millions of servings of locally grown and caught products into the emergency food market. “USDA programs like LFPP help us put our trucks, coolers, and dedicated staff in service to meeting the needs of Rhode Island farmers and our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity.”

“Add up the costs of healthy food, housing, child care, utilities – everything families need to succeed.  It’s all too expensive relative to income levels. Until this problem is fixed, SCLT will work through this program with USDA and our local partners to help hundreds of families in need serve up fresh produce grown right here by 40 small scale, sustainable urban and rural farmers.” says Margaret DeVos, Executive Director, Southside Community Land Trust

“This project will help to build on unique initiatives to connect local products to the emergency food system during a time of increasing need.” says Fred Mattera, Executive Director of Commercial Fisheries Center of RI, “For the Commercial Fisheries Center, this funding allows us to greatly expand and streamline access to nutritious local seafood among communities in need while helping to support our vibrant fishing industry.”

“Local seafood is an abundant resource in Rhode Island, an important part of a healthy diet, and is also a fundamental part of our culinary traditions for so many people in our community and yet still many people don’t have access to it.” says Kate Masury, Executive Director of Eating with the Ecosystem, “This funding will help Eating with the Ecosystem and the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island support seafood businesses in providing local seafood to the emergency food system and sharing this delicious and healthy resource with people in need.”

“Access to safe and healthy food is a key determinant of health at the individual level and the community level. This grant will be critical to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council’s work to ensure this access for Rhode Islanders in every ZIP code throughout the state,” said Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH, Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “We thank the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Local Food Promotion Program for their partnership, and we look forward to the vital collaborations with our community partners that these funds will support for years to come.”

“Both Rhode Island’s emergency feeding network and local food producers experienced massive disruptions and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rhody Feeding Rhody initiative will deepen supply chain connections between these stakeholders, helping to build the kind of resilient and regional food system we envision in our state food plan “Relish Rhody” says Juli Stelmaszyk, RI State Director of Food Strategy

RIFPC’s project builds on a successful planning grant awarded by USDA in 2020 which piloted connections between 25 RI farmers and fishers. Now, 80 RI farmers and fishers (at least 9 of whom are from historically underserved communities, 

The new, 3-year grant will enable RIFPC and partners to build information exchanges, infrastructure, and ordering systems that will benefit these local businesses and RI emergency food providers alike. Mutually-agreed upon product, price and delivery specifications will build greater confidence and offer lower risk to food producers and harvesters. 

The Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance will identify pathways to financial viability, enhancing and growing the wholesale market for 50+ locally-grown agricultural products as well as growing wholesale markets for 30+ locally-harvested, wild-caught seafood in the emergency food system. The Council will measure and evaluate project impacts, using findings to continually improve program operations and advocate for sustainable funding. As a result, the local emergency feeding system will become a larger, more reliable wholesale market for local producers and harvesters while also becoming more resilient to supply chain shocks from public health emergencies and climate-related disasters.

To learn more about the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance, email info@rifoodcouncil.org.


Rory’s Market And Kitchen Launches Pound For Pound Fresh Produce Program November 2022 In Downtown Providence

Rory’s Customer Shopping for Organic Produce, photo courtesy of Rory’s

Rory’s Market + Kitchen and UNFI Produce & Fresh Co. have partnered to expand the Pound for Pound program originally initiated in 2019 at the company’s Cape Cod stores to include Rory’s new location in downtown Providence. 

Throughout the month of November, select produce will be on sale at all Rory’s Market + Kitchen locations. For every pound of eligible produce purchased by Rory’s customers, Rory’s will donate a pound to the community’s local food bank. 

At the company’s Dennis Port and Mashpee locations, the weight of purchased produce will be donated to the Family Pantry of Cape Cod. Purchases made at Rory’s in downtown Providence will contribute to poundage donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. No monetary donations are required to participate; customers simply purchase at Rory’s and know they will be supporting members of their local community in need.

“Food insecurity affects every community, and fresh produce is often an area that food banks are lacking in donation or supply,” says Rory Eames, owner and namesake of Rory’s. “We are committed to using our purchasing power to help increase access to fresh, quality produce to our local communities.”

At the conclusion of the program, Rory’s will purchase the fresh produce in highest demand by the food banks which will then be delivered to drop locations at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Family Pantry of Cape Cod. 

“The Food Bank is so appreciative of the generosity of Rory’s Market and its customers,” shared Lisa Roth Blackman, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. “The need for food assistance in Rhode Island has increased dramatically. Our member agencies are serving 63,000 people per month – an increase of 20% from last year. This donation from Rory’s will help us meet the demand for healthy, fresh produce – an important part of our distribution.

November 14, 2022 0 comment
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Resource Links for Small Businesses During COVID-19 Crisis

by David Dadekian November 28, 2020
written by David Dadekian

We’re All In This Together


¿Necesitas COVID-19 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 / governor@governor.ri.gov

Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello – 401-222-2466 / rep-mattiello@rilegislature.gov
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio – 401-222-6655 / sen-ruggerio@rilegislature.gov

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 rhodeisland_do@sba.gov or mark.hayward@sba.gov

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

Rhode Island Grants and Funding

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

Citizens Bank – LISC Small Business Recovery Grant

Rhode Island Commerce Short-term bridge loans for restaurants and microbusinesses

Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund Grants


City and Town Grants and Funding

Providence Business Loan Fund

East Providence COVID-19 Job Retention Loan Program

East Providence Small Business Assistance

Pawtucket Business Development Corporation COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program


Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Compensation in the CARES Act FAQ

Understanding Rhode Island and Federal Paid Leave and Unemployment Insurance

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training

COVID-19 emergency unemployment insurance benefits for gig economy worker, contract worker, small business owner, worker for hire or self-employed


Worker Relief Funds

Another Round, Another Rally

American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund

National Restaurant Association National Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund

Restaurant Strong Fund

Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program

United States Bartenders’ Guild Emergency Assistance Program


Other Rhode Island Resources

Rhode Island Department of Health COVID-19 page

Rhode Island Superior Court Business Recovery Plan

RI DHS is exploring an expansion of a SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) via a waiver. See details and complete the RI Food Policy Council form.

RI Food Policy Council Interactive Food Access Maps

Restaurants with Online Ordering and Take Out

Shop Local Food & Drink Businesses Online

Breweries Offering Curbside Can Sales


Other National Resources

Independent Restaurant Coalition

Restaurants Act – Tell Congress: Support Bipartisan Efforts to Improve Relief Efforts and To Provide Additional Funding

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United COVID-19 Resources

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation Resources for Restaurants and Workers Coping with the COVID-19 Emergency

James Beard Foundation Resources Restaurants and COVID-19

No Kid Hungry Find Free Meals for Kids

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) page


Mental Health Resources

RI Foundation COVID-19 Behavioral Health Fund Grants

Crisis Text Line – message with a live, trained crisis counselor

Chefs With Issues Facebook Group

Ben’s Friends – food and beverage industry support group offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward to professionals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction

Streaming Service Promotions (if it helps, it helps!)


With thanks to my friend Rick Simone of the Federal Hill Commerce Association and Providence Tourism Council

November 28, 2020 0 comment
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Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey
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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 Co. 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
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

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

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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News Bites: Senator Reed Helps Launch Senior Nutrition Initiative, Hope & Main Schoolyard Market, Rhode Island Named #1 Food-Friendly State

by David Dadekian September 14, 2017
written by David Dadekian

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

Sen. Reed, RI Community Food Bank, USDA & RI Division of Elderly Affairs to Launch New Food Assistance Program for Seniors

Commodity Supplemental Food Program will help provide low-income seniors with monthly food boxes containing items like cereal, fruits and vegetables, pasta, and peanut butter

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

In an effort to help end senior hunger, U.S. Senator Jack Reed will join representatives from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs on Monday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the Food Bank to launch a new senior nutrition initiative in the state, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

The partnership between USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the RI Division of Elderly Affairs, and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank – made possible through a legislative boost from Senator Reed — will help the Food Bank distribute boxes of nutritious USDA commodities on a monthly basis to seniors in need as part of the federally-funded CSFP, which provides monthly food assistance specifically targeted to low-income seniors.

The contents of the box will change each month, based on what is available through the USDA, but will include a variety of canned vegetables and fruit, beans, cereal, pasta, rice, and other seasonal items. The food package provided by CSFP is intended to supplement the diet of seniors, providing healthy options to help seniors meet their dietary needs for essential nutrients like protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.

Eligibility for the food boxes is based on income and age. Recipients must be at least 60 years old and their monthly income must be less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (not exceeding $1,245 per month if single or $1,681 per month if married).

Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked at the federal level to successfully insert language into the Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill making it possible for Rhode Island to start participating in CSFP, along with six other states that did not have the program. He also secured over $100,000 in federal funding to help launch the program.

In 2013, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributed 9.9 million pounds of food, and each month more than 63,000 Rhode Islanders seek food assistance. According to the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, one out of eight Rhode Island seniors faced the threat of hunger in 2013.

“This is a proven, effective program that makes it easier for hungry seniors to get some extra nutritional assistance. I am pleased to help bring this program to Rhode Island. And I appreciate the hard work of the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs and Andrew Schiff and his team at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank for playing critical roles in establishing it and getting it up and running. The Food Bank has already begun a successful senior food box pilot program. They do an outstanding job of distributing food and serving people with respect and dignity,” said Senator Reed, Reed who helped appropriate $211.5 million in FY 2015 for CSFP nationwide. This funding will support over 600,000 caseload slots in participating states and more than $44 million in state administrative grants. In FY 2015, Rhode Island has been allocated 2,000 caseload slots and will receive an estimated $110,669 in administrative grant funding to carry out the program.

“At the Food Bank, twenty percent of the 63,000 people we serve each month are over 60 years old,” said Andrew Schiff. “Thanks to Senator Reed’s efforts, the CSFP program has been expanded to include Rhode Island and six other states. This funding will allow us to partner with the Division of Elderly Affairs and the USDA to provide this vulnerable population with healthy food and nutrition education to help them remain independent and healthy.”

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture is honored that Rhode Island will be participating in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program,” said Kurt Messner, acting regional administrator for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “This federal nutrition program strives to improve health by supplementing seniors’ diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. Once enrolled, eligible seniors will receive a box of nutritionally balanced supplemental food every month.”

The Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs will help to facilitate and raise awareness about the program.

The USDA commodity foods included in the food boxes are all U.S. grown and produced products. While the cost to the USDA to provide the food package is about $20 per month, the average retail value of the package provided to seniors often exceeds $50 per month.


Schoolyard Market Launches July 19

Hope & MainHope & Main is launching “Schoolyard Market” Sunday afternoons July 19 through September 27, 2015, transforming a former playground in a 100­-year-­old school into a uniquely interactive food experience. The market will feature a wide variety of vendors including farmers, fishermen, and Hope & Main culinary artisans. Workshops and how-to demonstrations for adults and children will be offered each week on nutrition, food preparation, urban gardening, and more.

Schoolyard Market will provide a highly interactive experience, connecting eaters with farmers and makers. “Food is a relationship that goes so much deeper than reading a label in a supermarket,” said Hope & Main Founder, Lisa Raiola. “We want to share the fascinating story of the origin and production of the food we eat everyday.”

The market will be dedicated to educating the community about cultivated, caught, and crafted in Rhode Island ­­ from growing to production to distribution­­ and enabling eaters to better understand and manage their personal relationship to local food.

Each week Schoolyard Market will offer free themed workshops for adults and children on topics such as fermentation; raising backyard chickens; home pickling; bee education and honey making; bread baking; solar and renewable energy demonstrations; composting and more. Families can also enjoy live music and other performances. “We want to stir up important conversations about food and reconnect with our community, our food, and our planet,” said Hope & Main Community Education and Outreach Director, Bleu Grijalva.

Cooking demonstrations with some of the region’s pre­eminent chefs will also be offered. For example, Chef Jonathan Cambra from Eating with the Ecosystem, a non­profit that promotes a place­based approach to sustainable seafood, will demonstrate how to prepare some atypical fare featuring catch that is abundant in Rhode Island waters such as razor clams, scup and slipper limpets. Schoolyard Market will also collect food waste through a program managed by Leo Pollock, President of the Compost Plant. Market­goers can learn the basics of composting and will be given receptacles for at­-home use that they can bring to Schoolyard Market on a weekly basis.

The Community Table will feature a different local non profit each week to spread the word about their mission and upcoming activities. Schoolyard Market plans to accept WIC, SNAP, and Senior Coupons.

For more information, to apply as a vendor, or to volunteer, email market@makefoodyourbusiness.org.

IF YOU GO
Sundays July 19­ – September 27
11 a.m­ – 3 p.m.
691 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Free event
*No market Sunday, September 6


America’s Top 10 Food-Friendly States

Rhode Island at #1 via Retale.com

Retale's America's Top 10 Food-Friendly States

Retale’s America’s Top 10 Food-Friendly States

“Rhode Island is the food-friendly powerhouse in these fifty states – and for good reason. This pint-sized non-island is stocked with top-tier, flavorful foods – many of which are “all their own” in the same way New Orleans claims beignets and Kentucky claims fried chicken. For one: Rhode Island has “Stuffies” (baked clams stuffed with herbs, mollusc, chourico sausage, and peppers), “Donut Cake,” coffee milk , Awful Awfuls, and Del’s lemonade.

“Little Rhody” offers the most total restaurants per one million inhabitants in the U.S. Further, they have the most snack bars per one million inhabitants, and they hold the eighth place in “best access to food,” meaning that if people really want a “Stuffie,” they’re likely to find one not too far from home. The Ocean State is also the number nine best state for Farmer’s Markets, where seafood, vegetables, and RI classics abound.”

Check out Retale’s visualization to compare Rhode Island’s rankings here: http://www.retale.com/info/food-friendly-states/

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