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Black Business Week RI
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News Bites: Black Business Week 2021 / Social Enterprise Greenhouse Spring 2021 Virtual Incubator Program / New RI Brewers Guild Board Members

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

Black Business Week Rhode Island 2021

Black Business Week RI

Black Lives Biz honors Black History Month by highlighting Black Businesses and hosting the first Black Business Week of Rhode Island. 

Black Lives Biz is hosting Rhode Island’s first Black Business Week from February 15th – 20th 2021. The week will be filled with discounts, specials and sales from over 35 participating Black owned businesses along with two virtual events. Among the participating businesses are Nubian Nailz, Glow Cafe and The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop. 

What to Expect:

How to transition a side hustle into a scalable business is one of the week’s highly anticipated virtual events hosted by Sterling Clinton-Spellman, founder and CEO of Polished, alongside Chip Douglas and Karriem Kanston. This event will highlight stories of converting lifelong passions into successful and profitable businesses. During the event they will share tips, best practices and local resources on how to convert a hobby into a scalable business.

To RSVP for How to transition a side hustle into a scalable business and a full schedule of Black Business Week RI, see https://fb.me/e/1YazO1kyM

Black Lives Biz is the nation’s leading search engine for Black-owned businesses with over 180,000 businesses listed nationwide. Our mission is to strengthen the alliances between Black owned businesses and to highlight all Black owned businesses through a digital portal. Visit  www.blacklivesbiz.com to learn more.

Social Enterprise Greenhouse Announces Spring 2021 Virtual Incubator Program for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses – Apply by March 5, 2021

Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) has opened applications for its Spring 2021 Virtual Incubator program. The SEG Virtual Incubator is a five-week business education program that covers social entrepreneurship, business model planning, finances, and other important topics for startup organizations. More than 150 startups representing a wide variety of industries have graduated from the program since it began in 2017.

The SEG Spring 2021 Virtual Incubator begins with an orientation on March 15 and then meets twice weekly from March 22 to April 22 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The program will be conducted virtually using Zoom. Participants benefit from the experience of learning together with a cohort of fellow early-stage business owners and receive continued professional support after the program ends.

SEG’s Incubator program is designed for anyone who has an idea for a business or nonprofit that will create positive social impact while being financially sustainable. Motivated and coachable social entrepreneurs and small business owners from Rhode Island and beyond are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by March 5, 2021. More information and the application are available at www.bit.ly/SEGIncubator.

The SEG Incubator is sponsored by the RI Department of Labor and Training’s Back to Work RI program, Rhode Island Foundation, Central Providence Health Equity Zone, Citizens Bank, Island Foundation, van Beuren Charitable Foundation, and EJMP Fund for Philanthropy.

Rhode Island Brewers Guild Welcomes New Board Members

Three new members join the five-person board

The Rhode Island Brewers Guild, the official association focused on promoting Rhode Island’s beer manufactures and brew pubs, recently held elections for their Board of Directors.  The board is made up of five representatives from member breweries who are voted on by the 31-member organization.  The 2021 Board will retain two key members, Jeremy Ruff, owner/brewer from LineSider Brewing in East Greenwich and Morgan Snyder, owner/brewer at Buttonwoods Brewery in Cranston.  

Joining the Board of Directors for 2021 are Matt Richardson, owner/brewer at the recently expanded Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter, Armando DeDona, owner/brewer of Long Live Beer Works in Providence and Matthew Gray, President of Ragged Island Brewing Company in Portsmouth.  These new members replace Board members Jennifer Brinton of Grey Sail Brewing of RI, Tamara McKenney of Appanoug Brewing Company and Tony Barber of Ragged Island Brewing Co, whose terms have expired.

At their first monthly meeting on January 25th the board selected Jeremy Ruff to continue in his position as President and selected Matt Richardson as Vice President, Matthew Gray as Secretary and Armando DeDona as Treasurer.  The Board is charged with enhancing the marketing and promotion of the Ocean State’s growing brewery scene, legislative initiatives to spur business development and ensure compliance, as well as pursuit of technical training opportunities to enhance the quality of beer brewed in R.I.  

“The Rhode Island brewing community has seen significant growth in the number of beer manufacturers licensed in the State over the past 10 years.” said Executive Director, Gary Richardson.  “Today we have over 30 member breweries in the Guild with several more in planning phases.”

The RI Brewers Guild was a recent recipient of funding from the RI Commerce Corp’s “Take it Outside” grant which helped many brewers create or enhance outdoor beer gardens and seating areas to help safely retain tasting room sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years the Guild has successfully lobbied for changes to State laws that allow for on-site sampling and takeout sales directly from the breweries. In the Spring of 2020, the Guild launched the RI Brewery Passport App.  This digital passport allows beer fans a chance to visit each of the member breweries and earn prizes for milestones met along the way.  The Guild looks to focus on additional legislative initiatives in 2021 as well as promoting a collaboration beer series between member breweries throughout the year.

For more information about the RI Brewers Guild visit www.ribrewersguild.org

  • Kara and Matt Richardson, owners/brewer of Tilted Barn Brewery
    Kara and Matt Richardson, owners/brewer of Tilted Barn Brewery
  • Matthew Gray, President of Ragged Island Brewing Company
    Matthew Gray, President of Ragged Island Brewing Company
  • Armando DeDona, owner/brewer of Long Live Beer Works
    Armando DeDona, owner/brewer of Long Live Beer Works
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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
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.

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Photo courtesy of by CHLOE.
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News Bites: 2018 LASA Grant Applications Open / George’s of Galilee 70th Anniversary / by CHLOE. Opens in Providence

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

The Application is Open for the LASA Grants Program 2018

Rhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Program. The goal of the program, which was established by the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) of 2012, is to support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island. It is made possible by $100,000 in funding from the State of Rhode Island, and an additional $130,000 in matching funds from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. This unique and unprecedented public-private partnership will provide grants intended to directly benefit and strengthen the local food system in Rhode Island.

More details and links to the application guidelines and instructions can be found on the Rhode Island Food Policy Council site.

George’s of Galilee turns back pricing to 1948!

While celebrating our 70th year in business!

George’s of Galilee has been owned and operated by the Durfee family for 70 continuous years, more than any other restaurant in the area!. In honor of this milestone, we will be offering 1948 prices on all the original menu items from 1948 for the ENTIRE month of January! A cup of chowder for $.25? YES! Its TRUE!

Norman Durfee, after graduating from URI in the 1940’s and working as a Cushman Bakery salesperson, was convinced by his wife Edna that he should buy a local shack called “George’s Lunch” because he used to spend so much time there when he stopped in to deliver baked goods. Over the years, sons E Richard and Wayne Durfee had grown the business significantly. And now grandson Kevin operates George’s with the same recipes and philosophy.

George’s has weathered the ups and downs of the economy as well as countless hurricanes and Nor’easters to emerge as one of the largest waterfront seafood restaurants in Rhode Island.

OVER THE 70 YEARS, we are proud to have helped put Rhode Island on the map for its culinary quirkiness with our signature items such as our clam cakes, our clear broth clam chowder which is now a category of its own, Rhode Island Clam Chowder, fried clams, fish n chips, lobster rolls, and more.

GEORGE’S is open all year long, daily at 11 am. In addition to the historical signature items, TODAY, GEORGE’S offer dishes like our popular seafood pot pie, fish tacos, grilled bourbon glazed salmon, pan-seared sea scallops, slow-roasted prime rib and daily boat to plate specials.

We have become the place to go for local fish straight off the docks. We strive to work with our local fishing fleet, bringing in local fish that are hard to find on plates at most other seafood restaurants such as scup, tautog, dogfish, monkfish, sea robin, and mahi which they have been catching right off Block Island.

GEORGE’S recently won Best Calamari at the RI Calamari Festival in September 2017 for the second year in a row with our signature Hurricane Calamari dish.

Come visit us this winter, as we celebrate our 70th year, sit by our fireplace, enjoy a hot spike beverage and 1948 prices!!. George’s of Galilee,— Eat Fish! Love Life!

Fast Casual, Plant-Based Dining Sensation By Chloe. Opens Its First Location In Rhode Island, At 223 Thayer Street In Providence, Thursday, January 18, 2018

Photo courtesy of by CHLOE.

Photo courtesy of by CHLOE.

by CHLOE., a trendsetting plant-based, fast casual restaurant that has achieved a cult following in New York City, Los Angeles, and most recently, Boston, opens its first location in Rhode Island at 223 Thayer Street in Providence on Thursday, January 18, 2018. With creative, delicious recipes made fresh and in-house daily from whole ingredients, by CHLOE.’s menu will change any misconceptions of vegan fare, and in perfect harmony with New Year’s health resolutions, offers guilt free dining. www.eatbychloe.com

“With its New England charm, growing food scene, and thriving student and artist population, Providence was really a perfect match for by CHLOE. To open our doors on iconic Thayer Street, a quick trip from every major school and university in the area, was a dream. We cannot wait to meet our new customers,” says Samantha Wasser, the brand’s Founder.

by CHLOE. sought out a choice Providence location – a charming white brick building on the corner of Thayer Street, surrounded by idyllic Providence architecture and shops. The 2,500 square foot space seats 50. Founder Samantha Wasser’s creative vision for by CHLOE. was brought to life with a bright and airy style, colorful textiles, and a neutral palette boasting pops of color.  Its uber famous (check instagram) hanging swing chairs are enhanced by a vibrant tie-dye fabric unique to the Providence location. Diners will take note of funky, eye-fetching wallpapers – one gives a nod to Providence’s bustling collegiate culture with a book pattern; the other, a colorful 90s-inspired squiggle pattern. Other notable décor details include reclaimed wood and hand-painted tiles, banquette seating, a zinc and wood slatted communal table, and blue and white Moroccan tabletops.

The expansive menu offers health-inspired items across categories of Beverages, Grab + Go, Salads, Burgers + Sandwiches, Fries + Sides, Pasta, freshly-baked Sweets, and Chill by CHLOE., the brand’s line of ice cream. Each and every menu item is entirely free of meat, dairy, and egg products, as well as of saturated animal fat, added preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Diners will also gravitate towards such popular by CHLOE. signature dishes as:

  • The Guac Burger, made from black beans, quinoa, and sweet potato, and topped with crisp tortilla sticks, corn salsa, chipotle aioli, and a generous scoop of guacamole
  • Quinoa Taco salad with spicy seitan chorizo, black beans, sweet corn, avocado, tomato, tortilla strips, crema, and agave lime vinaigrette
  • Pesto Meatball with Portobello mushroom and veggie based Italian meatballs, marinara, sweet peppers, basil pesto, cashew mozzarella, and almond parmesan
  • Mac N’ Cheese with sweet potato cashew cheese sauce, shitake bacon, and almond parmesan
  • Whiskey BBQ with smoky Portobello mushrooms and seitan, sautéed kale, onion marmalade, grilled pineapple, and bourbon BBQ served on a potato bun

For customers on the run, by CHLOE.’s full Grab + Go selection will be available with items like Matcha Kelp Noodles with PANATEA Matcha, kelp noodles, cashew cream sauce, almond parmesan, and scallion, Raw Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding with chia seeds, Madagascar vanilla bean, raw almond, cashew milk, and raw agave nectar, and Nicoise Salad with chopped romaine, chickpea tuna, grape tomatoes, green beans, red potatoes, Kalmata olives, and red vinaigrette.

The freshly-baked Sweets are not to be missed, with offerings ranging from Chlostess Cupcakesand Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies to Matcha Blueberry Muffins and Banana Bread. The full line of Chill by CHLOE.’s dairy-free ice cream will be offered with flavors like Raspberry + Cream, Salted Peanut Butter, Kale Cookies + Cream, Ube Smores, Chocolate Chocolate, andCoffee by CHLOE.

Alongside fresh pressed juices and smoothies, by CHLOE. will serve beer and wine. Speaking to canine customers, there are vegan Pupcakes and Dog Bones available for purchase in store.

Brunch will be offered on weekends, from 10am to 4pm, offering crave-able renditions of favorites like Mom’s Cinnamon Roll, Quinoa Hash Browns, and The Early Bird with scrambled organic tofu and vegan maple sausage.

by CHLOE Providence is located at 223 Thayer Street Providence, Rhode Island 02906. It will be open seven days a week; 11am to 10pm Monday through Friday and 10am – 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. Visit by CHLOE. online at www.eatbychloe.com, and on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest/Snapchat at @eatbychloe.

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News Bites: Blackbird Farm Farmers Market 2017 / Local Agriculture & Seafood Act Grants 2017 Awarded

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

Brand New Farmers Market at Blackbird Farm in Smithfield, RI beginning Friday, May 26th

Blackbird Farm

Blackbird Farm, one of the most-acclaimed beef and pork farms in New England, will host a brand new local farmers market at their farm stand on Friday evenings from 4-7pm, beginning on May 26th at 660 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917. The farmers market will take place every Friday evening (weather permitting) through October 27th.

Farmers markets are for people from all walks of life and all ages who share a common belief that farmers and local producers are a vital part of our community. This market will support the local food economy, showcase a wide variety of products and tap into a region of the state that currently doesn’t offer an extensive outdoor market. The Blackbird Farm Farmers Market will support local farmers and producers, improve access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other farm products, encourage sustainability, and educate the community on the importance of local foods.

Vendors will include Blackbird Farm, Aquidneck Honey, Harris Farm, Hickory Hill Farm, Open Season, Providence Kettle Corn, Rachyl’s Goat Milk Soap, The Farm in Rhode Island and We Be Jammin’ & Blooming Buddies. A variety of products will be offered, such as: beef and pork, seasonal produce, bouquets, charcuterie, eggs, jams, jellies, edible flowers, herbs, plants, prepared foods, packaged seasonings, natural body products, beverages, and more.

DEM Partners Announce Over $200,000 in Grants to Local Food Businesses

Rhode Island Food Policy CouncilThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), along with its partners, today awarded over $200,000 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.

“LASA continues to be an important catalyst in growing our food and agricultural businesses in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “It’s fitting to celebrate these awards and the initiatives they help fund during the annual Ag Day celebration, which shines a bright light on our state’s vibrant food scene and rich agricultural and fishing heritage. Kudos to all grant recipients! I look forward to celebrating the success of these initiatives.”

Now in its fourth year, LASA has provided over $900,000 – 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 always very excited to see the new crop of LASA grantees each year,” said David Dadekian, chair of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council. “The progress and success of these businesses, with the help of a program like LASA, is proof positive of the economic growth in the food and drink cluster here in Rhode Island and the Council is always proud to support that growth.”

The 2017 LASA grant awards include:

Backyard Food Company, $6,890: Expand greenhouse production space
Brandon Family Farm, $5,229: Support creation of pawpaw fruit orchard
Charlie’s Sugarhouse, $3,000: Expand parking area for education programs
Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, $18,255: Develop an educational series for restaurateurs on local seafood products
Hocus Pocus Farm, $6,578: Improve soil conservation by transitioning to a no-till method of farming
Hurricane Hill Farm Collaborative, $19,836: Provide incubator farm space & to support infrastructure
Jerusalem Shellfish Co., LLC, $10,000: Restore a walk-in cooler & ice maker
Little River Farm, $3,500: Support expansion of caterpillar hoop house tunnels to help extend the farming season
Little State Flower Company, $8,949: Help develop historic farm site & expand flower growing business
Moonrose Farm, $6,362: Purchase a mobile walk-in cooler
Mooresfield Oyster Farm, $15,072: Enhance food safety measures
Northern RI Conservation District, $19,613: Help expand farming opportunities at Snake Den Farm
Ocean State Oyster Hatchery, $9,000: Purchase & install a commercial generator
Pat’s Pastured, $12,500: Improve chicken coops for greater efficiency & humane raising of birds
Point Judith Kelp Company, $6,000: Support wild seaweed harvest & development of new products
Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association, $1,931: Repair & upgrade upweller
Sanctuary Teas & Herbs, $12,160: Help launch this new business venture with refugee farmers
Walrus and Carpenter Oysters LLC, $12,000: Support expansion of sugar kelp hatchery
Westbay Community Action, $4,510: Develop cold storage & a new farm stand
West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation/Sankofa Initiative, $17,015: Support purchase of cold storage for produce grown at Sankofa community farm
Wild Harmony Farm, $11,600: Purchase an egg-washing machine & expand capacity

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 to a local port, with an export value over $1 billion.

As part of Ag Day festivities, local farmers, food businesses, and community groups are set up around the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and offer free food samples and information about their work. 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.

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