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News Bites: Celebrate Downcity 2021 / RI Brewers Guild Puzzle Fundraiser / Melvin Brewing and Kühl Porter and Clothing Drive / Farm Fresh Providence Farmers Market Wintertime Season

by David Dadekian November 3, 2021

written by David Dadekian

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

Soulita and InDowncity to Launch Weekly Providence Holiday Shopping Event

Shop local and support small businesses downtown with a marketplace, live music, and food vendors at Celebrate Downcity 2021

InDowncity and Soulita are excited to announce their first ever collaboration, Celebrate Downcity 2021. The event will be held at Grant’s Block and on Westminster Street, between Eddy Street and Union Street, in downtown Providence. The weekly holiday festival will kick off on Nov. 27 for Small Business Saturday and continue each Saturday, including Dec. 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each Saturday will feature local small businesses, musicians, artists, and food vendors.

Celebrate Downcity brings together Providence’s local creative community and small businesses to offer guests the best holiday shopping experience the city has to offer. A marketplace at Grant’s Block—organized by Soulita—will welcome over 20 local vendors. Merchandise will include a range of products, including clothing, jewelry, skincare items, accessories, housewares, greenery, and more. Each marketplace will be accompanied by festive live musical performances featuring local talent.

“Come experience Celebrate Downcity 2021,” says Evan Delpeche, Co-Owner of Soulita, “as we establish a cornerstone of local makers and sellers of Rhode Island. At Soulita, we continuously strive to unite, inspire, and create through artistic expression in public environments.”

On Westminster Street, shoppers can also enjoy a well curated selection of gifts at Craftland, Queen of Hearts and Modern Love, Symposium Books and Records, The Vault Collective, Civil, Homestyle, and Eno Fine Wines. Each shop offers a variety of unique items, from handmade cards to vintage clothing to skate equipment, providing shoppers with a one-stop location for holiday purchases.

“Our local businesses experienced a tremendous setback last holiday season,” says Joanna Levitt, Director of Commercial Leasing and Marketing for Cornish Associates. “InDowncity and Cornish Associates are here to encourage and celebrate their path towards recovery. This holiday, these businesses will be vibrant, filled with unique goods and ready for their customers to shop safely. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Soulita, bringing creatives from throughout the city to downtown to showcase the best local holiday shopping our community has to offer.”

For event dining, InDowncity will welcome a line-up of favorite food and beverage vendors, along with cafe-style outdoor seating on Westminster Street. Visitors are invited to sit under the heaters and enjoy refreshing beverages from Long Live Brewery and delicious food from weekly rotating food vendors. Restaurants and cafes on and along Westminster Street will be open for dining as well, including Small Point Cafe, Sura, Kleos, Little City Coffee and Kitchen, Serendipity Gourmet, and the Malted Barley.

RI Brewers Guild Fundraiser

https://ri-brewers-guild.square.site

Warming Inside and Out: Melvin Brewing and Kühl® Launch NEW Scenario Porter with KÜHL® Giveaways and a Clothing Drive

Get the warm fuzzies this fall with a new collaborative release from Melvin Brewing and premier outdoor apparel brand Kühl®. In conjunction with Scenario Porter’s debut, Melvin and KÜHL® are giving back to the local communities where Melvin’s beer is sold and warming bodies on the outside by giving regional charities one premium quality KÜHL® jacket for every 10 cases or two kegs of Scenario Porter sold. Scenario Porter is available in limited release for three months starting Nov. 1 at select retailers coast-to-coast.

A robust porter made with oats and midnight wheat, Scenario Porter (6% ABV/MSRP $9.99/12-ounce six pack) is a beer fit to warm your insides with the rich, warming flavors of burnt sugar, cocoa and toast. It’s the first in a series of rotating seasonal releases from Melvin focusing on less-hoppier beer styles.

Melvin Field Hoperatives will be hosting Scenario Porter tap events throughout the country where they’ll collect gently-used gear and warm clothing in good condition for donation to regional charities. Everyone who shows up at an event with donations will be entered to win a KÜHL® jacket of their own.

“As a fellow independent brand, we feel a kinship with the good folks at Melvin. We are proud and honored to collaborate on such a worthwhile promotion,” says Jonny Atencio, Director of Strategic Partnerships, KÜHL®.

Availability: Look for Scenario Porter in 12-ounce six-packs starting Nov. 1 at independent retailers in WA; OR; CA; ID; MT; AK; WY; CO; UT; SD; NE; MO; OH; MA; RI; DC; VA; and FL.

Winter Season Kicks Off at Farm Fresh Providence Farmers Market

The year-round Farm Fresh Providence Farmers Market kicks off its renowned Wintertime season on November 6, 2021. Now in its 15th year and the largest indoor market of its kind in New England, the farmers market runs every Saturday 9am to 1pm. The winter season runs through April 30, 2022, and the market runs year-round. For more information: farmfreshri.org/PVDmarket.

Market goers can shop with over 65 local farm and food vendors in a custom-built facility designed for hosting year-round markets. Think plenty of parking and room to move around. The new Farm Fresh building is also home to other local small businesses that will be open during market hours for a full range local farm, food, and beverage experiences. Anchor Toffee, New Harvest Coffee & Spirits, Red Tomato (no retail), and Rhed’s Hot Sauce are open now and Providence Brewing Company, Robin Hollow Farm, Tallulah’s Taqueria, and Wright’s Creamery will be opening over the coming months. (Opening dates vary, stay tuned.)

Special Holiday Market — Wednesday, December 22
The regular Saturday market will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day, 12/25/2021 and 1/1/2022. But a special Holiday Market has your holiday shopping covered — Wednesday evening, 12/22, from 3 to 7pm.

Local Vendors at the Farmers Market
The wintertime season kicks off with these local farms and food artisans at the market: African Alliance of RI, Allen Farms, Barden Family Orchard, Barrett’s Garden, Beautiful Day, Beth Bakes, Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop, Bonetown BBQ, Buns Bakery, Butter Cuisine, Chi Kitchen, Clover Desserts, Cluck & Trowel, The Coffee Guy, La Creperie, Dee’s Little Sweets, Deep Roots Farm, Delicious Deli, Distinguish Catering, Earth Essence Herbals, Fairland Farms, Farmacy Herbs, Fearless Fish Market, Flying Carrot Farm, Fully Rooted, gC Farm, Great Harvest Bread Company, Harmony Hill Farm, Harvest Kitchen, Herbs and Mylk, Hopkins Southdowns, Incred-a-bowl, Jack’s Snacks a Dog Bakery, June Love’s English Bakery, Just Like Nana’s, Kane’s Kitchen, Knead Doughnuts, Lafleur’s Wildflower Honey, Langwater Farm, Lara’s Cuisine, The Local Catch, Lucayda Farm, Luluna Kombucha, Martinelli’s Meats, Matilda, Moonlight Rose Alpacas, Narragansett Creamery, Newport Sea Salt Co., Nuts & Bolts Nursery Coop, Ocean State Pepper Co., Pat’s Pastured, Pickily, Provencal Bakery, Rebelle Artisan Bagels, Rhode Island Spa Products, RI Mushroom Co., Rocket Fine Street Food, Sanctuary Herbs of Providence, Secrets in the Kitchen, Seven Stars Bakery, Silk Tree Farm, Silver Thistle Farm & Cheesery, Simmons Farm, Skydog Farm, Slowhand Sharpening, Soul Fresh Proteins, Steere Orchard, Sweet and Salty Farm, Sweet Possibilities, Triton Seafood, Ward’s Berry Farm, Wishing Stone Farm, Zeigler’s Market Garden.

Bonus Bucks Doubles SNAP/EBT Benefits
The market accepts cash/check, credit/debit, SNAP/EBT, and Bonus Bucks. Farm Fresh RI’s Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives program provides an additional 100% bonus for customers using EBT—to increase access to fresh fruits and veggies for low-income individuals receiving federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. That means for every $1 spent with SNAP at the farmers market, shoppers receive a FREE $1 in Bonus Bucks tokens to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

November 3, 2021 0 comment

farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Mystic Aquarium and Grey Sail Beer / Healthy Foods, Healthy Families Anniversary / Anna’s Kitchen Shrubs Wins More Awards

by David Dadekian July 2, 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.

Mystic Aquarium and Grey Sail Brewing Team Up for Gray Seal Ale

New Blond Ale Named for Rescued & Released “Lou-Seal”

In celebration of the start of summer, Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and one of the nation’s leading aquariums, is pleased to announce a partnership with Westerly’s Grey Sail Brewing to launch “Gray Seal Ale”. The blond ale pays homage to Lou-Seal, an adult gray seal who stranded in Bermuda and was transferred to Mystic Aquarium for rehabilitative care before being released on May 30^th.

The label, designed by Kyle Reichman of Newport, RI-based 6 Square Design and Communications, depicts a beautiful gray seal swimming among other creatures under the sea and includes messaging about Mystic Aquarium’s longstanding animal rescue program.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a wonderful local business to help raise awareness of our mission,” said Roslyn Gilhuly, SVP of External Relations at Mystic Aquarium. “This partnership has given us a unique – and delicious – way to honor not only Lou-Seal, but the more than 500 marine animals we have rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into their ocean environment.”

The blond ale made its debut at the Aquarium’s Young Professionals Networking Night on June 20^th and will be available for purchase throughout the summer at all Mystic Aquarium events catered by Ocean Blue Catering as well as at the Aquarium’s Penguins Café.

Healthy Foods, Healthy Families Celebrates Ten Years

July Kicks Off Farm Fresh RI’s Nutrition Education Workshops at Farmers Markets

You may have heard about Farm Fresh RI because of its farmers markets, its wholesale service for local farms, or its new food hub development project in the Valley neighborhood of Providence. Both fueling and complimenting these initiatives is a focus on community access and education — which have been at the heart of the nonprofit’s mission of growing the local food system since its founding in 2004, by a Brown University undergraduate student.

Today, Farm Fresh RI continues providing information on local farms, agriculture, and nutrition to a broad range of community members across the state — in schools, libraries, daycares, senior centers and senior housing. Its nutrition education programs are hands-on, interactive, and work to provide participants with the information needed to make smart choices about food. Programs also seek to share cultural traditions around food and celebrate the diverse culinary heritage of Rhode Island.

One such program is Healthy Foods, Healthy Families — offering interactive food and nutrition workshops at summer farmers markets in July and August for families with children receiving federal food assistance — WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Provided in English and Spanish, the curriculum empowers parents and children with the tools to shop for affordable, seasonal foods and prepare them in healthy, kid-friendly ways. For each week of participation, families receive free samples, games, recipes, financial incentives, and other bonuses — including Farm Fresh RI’s dollar-for-dollar match in Bonus Bucks available to all SNAP users at most farmers markets across Rhode Island.

Free Program, Easy Sign-Up
Families that receive WIC or SNAP and have at least one child age 12 or younger can enroll for free in the 2019 session of Healthy Foods, Healthy Families starting July 1, 2019. This year we will be unveiling new lessons, new activities, and new recipes all season! Just visit any of the following farmers markets for more information and to sign up.

Armory Market
85 Parade St, Providence
Thursdays, 3:30-7:00pm

Broad Street Market
807 Broad St, Providence
Saturdays, 8:00am-12:00pm

Central Falls Market
559 Dexter St, Central Falls
Wednesdays, 3:00-6:30pm

Neutaconkanut Market
675 Plainfield St, Providence
Mondays, 3:00-6:00pm

Slater Park Market
375 Newport Ave, Pawtucket
New location inside park: by Len’s Snack Stand
Wednesdays, 3:00-6:00pm

Woonsocket Market
Thundermist Health Center
250 Clinton St, Woonsocket
Tuesdays, 3:00-6:00pm

Note: While these farmers markets remain open weekly through the end of October, the Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program will run through August 29, 2019.

Birthday Celebration for All Families — August 12–16, 2019
Recognizing gaps in food literacy and lack of comfortability cooking locally grown produce by members of the RI community, Farm Fresh RI first tested the concept of farmers market-based nutrition education at just the Armory Market back in 2008. With the quick success of the program’s pilot season, it was expanded the following year to additional farmers markets run by Farm Fresh RI — and Healthy Foods, Healthy Families was born.

In honor of officially turning 10 this summer, Farm Fresh RI invites all families (whether you’ve participated in the program before or not) to free birthday party festivities like balloons, fun kids activities, and special treats at all of the above-listed farmers markets during the week of August 12th. No tickets needed, just come to the Healthy Foods, Healthy Families table at the market!

Support by Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI and the Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children
Earlier this year, Farm Fresh RI received a 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant (BACHG) from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). The $22,000 grant will provide parents and children with resources to shop for and prepare healthy meals through the Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program.

“Our support for organizations like Farm Fresh Rhode Island enables them to continue effectively addressing social and environmental factors that lead to overweight and obesity — particularly for low-income families in our state,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSRI.

Onelissa Martinez, former Nutrition Education Manager at Farm Fresh RI added, “Thanks to this BlueAngel Community Health Grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI, we will be able to empower more Rhode Island families with the information and tools to make healthy choices and invest in their health and communities.”

Program Methods and Outcomes
Healthy Foods, Healthy Families is a fruit and vegetable exposure/incentive program implemented at farmers markets in low-income neighborhoods, targeting families receiving US federal food assistance. Participants post-intervention reported significantly higher vegetable consumption and lower soda consumption. For more information on methods and outcomes, refer to the following study, which examined program effects on participants’ diet and associations between attendance, demographics, and dietary change.

“Healthy Foods, Healthy Families: combining incentives and exposure interventions at urban farmers markets to improve nutrition among recipients of US federal food assistance;” by April B. Bowling, Mikayla Moretti, Kayla Ringelheim, Alvin Tran, and Kirsten Davison; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4847109

Anna’s Kitchen Shrubs For The Win

Rhode Island maker brings home big titles for the beverage industry

Rhode Island’s only shrub maker, Anna Scott, is making waves internationally. In just the last few months Anna’s Kitchen Shrub has received several industry awards from Food & Beverage Magazine, the International SIP Awards and the PR%F Awards.

In March, the shrub maker won Food & Beverage Magazine’s “Best In Show” at the Nightclub and Bar Show, an event known for being a huge influencer for professionals in the bar, nightlife and hospitality industries. As one of the magazine’s favorite emerging brands, a four-page spread in the June issue boasts Anna’s Kitchen Shrub as “new, unique and just plain great.”

This June, among over 1,000 competitors, the brand attended the International Spirits Competition and won SIP Awards in seven different categories including taste, design and innovation. This internationally acclaimed consumer-driven blind taste-testing event is widely recognized in the spirits industry and known as the preeminent path for brands to reach their target consumers.

Just last week, Scott received news that all five flavors placed at the PR%F Awards as well. More than 30 spirit industry leaders and upwards of 500 spirits brands participated in the PR%F Awards during a two-day blind-tasting point-rating competition. With only five Century Medals being granted, Scott earned two of them with perfect scores. On top of that, Scott received two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal. Earning more than ten awards within the past several months, Anna’s Kitchen Shrub is making everything old, new again.

Anna’s Kitchen Shrub launched out of Rhode Island’s Hope & Main food business incubator program in the spring of 2018. Scott’s take on this historic vinegar-based drink is fresh, healthy and appeals to cocktail enthusiasts and the sober-curious alike. Each flavor is 100% organic and is made with raw apple cider vinegar with the Mother, unlike many, if not all, competitor brands. In less than two years, Scott has carved out a substantial space in the cocktails and beverage realm, making certain that “shrub” becomes a familiar term again.

Anna’s Kitchen Shrub is made in Rhode Island. Available online as well as over 60 Northeast gourmet retailers, liquor stores, restaurants and bars. Visit www.annaskitchenshrub.com for more information.

July 2, 2019 0 comment

chefs & restaurants cooking farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Food Bank Launches Summer Food Drive / Summer at Newport Vineyards / Six Farmers Markets Opening in July

by David Dadekian January 2, 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.

RI Community Food Bank Launches Summer Food Drive

During the summer, the need for food assistance among families spikes as children lose access to the healthy, nutritious meals they normally receive at school. To help fill the gap throughout the summer months, the Food Bank is asking the community to support the Summer Food Drive.

Here’s how you can help:

Drop off donations of non-perishable food
Pick up donation boxes and posters for a food drive in your workplace or community (or download and print your own poster).
Get the kids involved in an activity to benefit the Food Bank
Make a financial donation to help end hunger in Rhode Island

First Gentleman of Rhode Island and Chair of the Summer Food Drive Andy Moffit launched the campaign along with Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff by encouraging Rhode Islanders to join the effort and help their neighbors in need.

Get more details and a list of most-needed items»

Watch the Summer Food Drive kick-off with Andrew Schiff and Andy Moffit:

Newport Vineyards Brings the Napa Experience to Newport with Summer Events, Tours & Tastings, Live Music & Seasonally Inspired Dining

Newport Vineyards

Newport Vineyards, an award winning winery located in beautiful Middletown, RI, has a big summer planned with tours, tastings, special events, live music and much more. Founded by brothers John & Paul Nunes in 1995, the vineyard is the largest grower of grapes in New England. The winery produces nearly 30,000 cases of estate-grown wine each year through sustainable farming methods on 75 acres of historically preserved farmland. Following a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2015, the winery has become a culinary and wine destination offering multiple experiences including daily tours and tastings, 100% from scratch culinary programs at Brix Restaurant and The Vineyard Café, The Marketplace, seasonal live music, private events and public activities.

Each Wednesday evening through the summer, enjoy an extended evening wine tasting from 5-8pm! Hear live music from a variety of artists while you sip and savor around the welcoming fire pits. In addition to wine, beer and sangria, snacks from the kitchen are available. The vineyard also hosts a weekend music series from 1- 4pm on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. Savor the season, glass in hand! No tickets are needed and all are welcome. For more details, including the artist lineup, please visit www.newportvineyards.com/calendar-of-events.

Dine at Brix Restaurant following an afternoon at the winery or just because! Cozy up around the fire with a glass of wine. Enjoy expansive views of the vineyard and the entire winemaking operation through two walls of windows that drape the room. The culinary approach, artfully prepared by Executive Chef Andy Teixeira, starts with the basic belief that it is their responsibility to provide truth in their food. “We love the food from the minute in comes in the door, to the minute it goes into the guest’s mouth,” said Chef Teixeira. The seasonally inspired menu highlights local farms and offers something for everyone’s palate. Wednesdays are Flight Night – just $10 for a tasting of four wines or beers.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sipping wine and local beer with friends amid the vines, grabbing a quick breakfast or a leisurely lunch, enjoying a gourmet dinner, or hosting a private event, Newport Vineyards truly has it all. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Providence, experience summer at its finest on Aquidneck Island.

Follow Newport Vineyards on Facebook @NewportVineyards, Twitter @NewportVines, and Instagram @NewportVines. For more details, please visit www.newportvineyards.com.

Tasting Room	Winery Tours	Vineyard Café	Brix Restaurant
*Mon – Sat* 10am – 6pm *Sunday* 12 – 6pm	*Sun – Fri* 1pm & 3pm *Saturday* hourly, 11am – 4pm	*Sunday* 12 – 5pm (seasonally) *Monday* closed *Tues – Thurs* 11am – 4pm *Friday* 11am – 5pm *Saturday* 9am – 12pm breakfast sandwiches only 11am – 5pm full menu	*Tues – Thurs* 5 – 9pm *Fri & Sat* 4 – 10pmClosed Sundays & Mondays, but always available for private events, day or night

Six Farmers Markets Increasing Food Access To Open In July

Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is excited to announce six of their farmers markets opening in July. Located in neighborhoods at risk for health disparities, Farm Fresh RI markets focus on increasing access to fresh, local food and nutrition education.

In July, shoppers can expect to find tomatoes, corn, peppers, blueberries, melons, grapes, greens, herbs, cheese, radishes, mushrooms, carrots, bitter melons, fresh bread and so much more! It’s easy to find a farmers market in your neighborhood and shop for fresh, local fruits and vegetables all summer and well into fall. Many markets also feature live music, prepared foods & food trucks and family-friendly activities.

According to a recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “When comparing product prices between farmers markets and retail stores, local products are competitively priced – within a 10 percent price range – at farmers markets a majority of the time, even less expensive for some foods. Local, certified organic products at farmers markets are almost always competitively priced when compared to prices at retail stores.” (May, 2016; source with graphic: http://blogs.usda.gov/2016/05/19/local-and-organic-food-shopping-finding-the-best-price)

Farm Fresh RI markets accept cash, credit, debit, SNAP, WIC Fruit & Vegetable checks, and Senior vouchers. And in partnership with Wholesome Wave (wholesomewave.org), Farm Fresh RI provides Bonus Bucks—an additional 40% bonus for customers using EBT—to increase access to fresh fruits and veggies for low-income individuals receiving federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The following markets, managed by Farm Fresh Rhode Island, open in July.

For a full list of farmers markets in Rhode Island, visit www.farmfreshri.org.

BROAD STREET — 807 Broad St, Providence
July 1 to October 28
Saturdays, 8:00am – 11:30pm

DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE — Kennedy Plaza
July 11 to October 31
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:00pm

CENTRAL FALLS — Garfield St Playground
July 5 to October 25
Wednesdays, 2:00 – 5:30pm

WEST WARWICK —Thundermist Health Center, 186 Providence St
July 6 to October 26
Thursdays, 3:00 – 6:00pm

SLATER PARK — 825 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket
July 9 to October 29
Sundays 12:00 – 3:00pm

NEUTACONKANUT PARK — 675 Plainfield St, Providence
July 3 to October 30
Mondays, 3:00 – 6:00pm

And two other Farm Fresh RI markets are already underway!
ARMORY — Parade St at Hudson St, Providence
May 25 to October 26
Thursdays 3:30 – 7:00pm or dusk

WOONSOCKET — Thundermist Health Center, 450 Clinton St
Year-round (Moves outside July 5)
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:00pm

January 2, 2019 0 comment

cooking farms news

News Bites: RI Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger / Farm Fresh RI Matching Donation Challenge / Winter Farmers’ Markets

by David Dadekian November 22, 2016

written by David Dadekian

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

RI Community Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger

Low-Income Families are Missing Meals

There is a significant meal gap in Rhode Island today. Low-income families miss out on meals because they cannot afford adequate food. Entire communities remain distressed and are not benefiting from the state’s economic recovery. More should be done to protect low-income families from hunger and bring economic growth to the communities where they live.

Download the Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

MAJOR FINDINGS

Over 33 million meals are missed each year by Rhode Islanders at the bottom of the income scale.
Government nutrition programs are now the primary source of meals for low-income households.
More than one-fifth of the state’s population lives in communities that suffer from extreme economic hardship.
Demand for food assistance remains high with 59,000 people served by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank each month.

Thirty-Three Million Missing Meals

The graph shows the different sources of meals for low-income households in Rhode Island. Of the total 217 million meals needed annually, 15 percent – 33.2 million – are missing. SNAP, WIC and School Meals account for more than half of the meals provided.

Read the entire 2016 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

Action Steps

Urge Congress to increase SNAP benefit levels to keep up with the real cost of food.
Offer free school breakfast and lunch to all students in high-poverty areas.
Prioritize distressed communities in Rhode Island for economic development to improve the lives of low-income residents.
Allocate additional state funding to keep the Food Bank stocked to meet the continued high demand for food assistance.

For previous versions of the Status Report on Hunger, visit our Publications page.

Farm Fresh RI Challenged by Newman’s Own Foundation for #GivingTuesday

Farm Fresh Rhode Island has been selected to participate in the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge for #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide.

As part of the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge, Farm Fresh Rhode Island can earn up to $10,000 in matching funds for donations made (through www.crowdrise.com/FarmFreshRI-GivingTuesday) between November 22 and November 29.

Farm Fresh RI is dedicated to growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of Rhode Island farmers and eaters. Part incubator, part activator, Farm Fresh’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island farmland, build healthier communities, strengthen local community-based businesses, increase access to fresh food for all, and improve the impact of food production and distribution on the environment. Funds raised in the Challenge will be used to support a wide array of access, education, and distribution programs—such as operating farmers markets year-round; incentivizing and subsidizing EBT/SNAP use at those markets; facilitating buying relationships between RI producers, businesses, and institutions; providing food-industry job training and employment to youth from DCYF’s Juvenile Justice Corrections Services; getting more locally grown, fresh foods into more RI school, hospital, and senior residence cafeterias; and empowering low-income families with tools to shop for and cook fresh foods.

“We love the strong connections Rhode Islanders have to their growers and fishermen. But there is still a long ways for us to go,” says Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Directory of Farm Fresh RI. “We estimate that just 1% of the food consumed in Rhode Island is locally grown or caught. That is 99% opportunity! Grocery store shelves, cafeterias, schools, senior meal sites — there are so many ways to tie in local food better. We have to ask for these changes to make them happen. They will not happen on their own, but they are so worthwhile, and taste good to boot!”

Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season. The day is designed to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

The Challenge is hosted on CrowdRise, a crowdfundraising platform for nonprofits. A total of 20 organizations were selected to participate by Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.

Those who are interested in helping Farm Fresh Rhode Island reach its Challenge goal can do so by visiting: www.crowdrise.com/FarmFreshRI-GivingTuesday.

Winter Farmers’ Markets Offer Perfect Local Fare for Holiday Feasts

Just in time for the holidays, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that as part of its “Get Fresh. Buy Local” campaign, winter farmers’ markets will be open across the state this weekend. The markets will feature an array of local products – from seafood to meats, produce, and prepared foods and gifts.

“The winter markets are great places to purchase fresh, delicious local food while supporting Rhode Island businesses,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “I can think of no better way to dress the Thanksgiving table than with Rhode Island-grown turkey, locally harvested fish, or farm-fresh potatoes, apples, cider or winter squash. I hope everyone will join me this weekend in visiting a local market to get fresh, and buy local!”

Markets, locations and operating times are as follows:

Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers’ Market, Pawtucket
Hope Artiste Village, 1005 & 999 Main Street
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 29

Mount Hope Farm, Bristol
250 Metacom Avenue
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round

Aquidneck Growers Market, Middletown
Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round

Coastal Growers Winter Farmers’ Market, North Kingstown
Lafayette Mill Complex, 650 Ten Rod Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through April 29

South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market, Peace Dale
Peacedale Mill Complex, 1425 Kingstown Road
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 29

Schoolyard Market, Warren
Hope & Main Food Incubator, 691 Main Street
Select Sundays (December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19, & May 21) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Farm Fresh RI Woonsocket Farmers’ Market, Woonsocket
Thundermist Health Center, 450 Clinton Street
Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. year-round

DEM’s Get Fresh. Buy Local campaign supports efforts to increase local awareness and consumption of Rhode Island-sourced products and to build a sustainable food system in the state. Rhode Island’s food sector is experiencing significant growth, and efforts are underway to develop the state’s first statewide food strategy. Winter farmers’ markets play an important role in supporting a strong food system by increasing Rhode Islanders’ access to affordable, local products and providing a marketplace for local farmers during the off-season. Rhode Island’s food system supports 60,000 jobs, and it is one of few states where the number of farms is on the rise, now standing at more than 1,200 farms. The state also leads the nation in the percent of farms selling directly to the public.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

November 22, 2016 0 comment

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