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

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.

RI Community Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

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 IslandFarm 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.

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News Bites: Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Now Open / Coggeshall Farm Museum Winter Activities

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 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grants Program: Application Now Open

Rhode Island Food Policy CouncilThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) is now accepting applications for the LASA 2016 Grants Program.

Details on the LASA program and 2016 LASA Grants Program is available at the RI Food Policy Council website as well as the RI DEM website.

Please click here for application guidelines, and here for the online application.

Online applications are preferred, however mailed or hand-delivered applications are accepted as well. The fillable application in Word format for hard copy submission is available here.

All grant applications are due to RI DEM by 11:59pm on February 16, 2016. Submissions received after will not be considered.

Technical Assistance sessions will be offered in January and February. Details on these will be sent out via email so please remain on this list serve if you would like to receive this information.

The LASA Grants Program is made possible by $100,000 in funding from the State of Rhode Island, and an additional $130,000 in matching funds generously contributed by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. This is the third year of this unique, unprecedented public-private partnership aimed at benefitting and strengthening the local food system in Rhode Island.

Click here to view the LASA Showcase booklet featuring the 2013-2014 grantees.

From the Forge to the Hearth, Coggeshall Heats Up Winter Days

Casey Duckett, Assistant Director, operating the the Blacksmith Shop

Casey Duckett, Assistant Director, operating the the Blacksmith Shop

January/February Schedule of Daily Activities
Coggeshall Farm Museum, 1 Colt Dr., Bristol, RI (off Poppasquash Road)

As winter’s cold descends, Coggeshall Farm Museum will warm up visitors with a variety of demonstrations and activities to entice all ages. Experience 18th-century candlemaking, blacksmithing and hearthcooking. Discover Coggeshall’s “Bornstein Collection” of historic hand tools, or help the museum document its 43-year history by identifing photographs from the last four decades.

Coggeshall Farm Museum is a living history museum honoring the the lives of hard-working 18th-century farmers, Rhode Island’s original middle class. Visitors are encouraged to experience first-hand in the daily activities of farm life in all seasons.

Coggeshall is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. In January and February, you’ll experience the daily life of an 18th-century farm in winter.

The following activities are free to Coggeshall members and included with regular admission for nonmembers (Weekdays: $5/adults; $3/children, seniors and active-duty military. Weekends: $7/adults; $5/children, seniors and active-duty military). For more information on any upcoming activities, visit www.coggeshallfarm.org, call 401-253-9062 or email Cindy Elder at c.elder@coggeshallfarm.org.

Schedule of Activities (January/February)

Bread Baking Preparations

Bread Baking Preparations

Bread Baking
Saturdays, 11 am: Experience bread baked in a beehive brick oven and help prepare bread dough for the next day.

Candlemaking
Saturdays, noon to 2 pm: Learn to make candles from scratch for the long, dark winter ahead using the drip technique and 18th-century molds.

Blacksmith Shop
Sundays, 11 am to 3 pm: Watch our resident blacksmith create nails, knives, hooks and other useful objects in our 18th-century blacksmith shop.

Hearthcooking
Sundays, 11 am to 2 pm: Join us as we cook up something special over the hearth. From soups to jonnycakes or tasty desserts, every Sunday promises a new hearthcooking experience.

Tool Time
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm (or by appointment): View a rotating selection of Coggeshall’s Bornstein Collection of historic hand tools as our Collections Specialist actively researches the origins and uses of each implement. Scholars and researches encouraged to participate. To schedule an appointment with the Collections Specialist, email McKayla Hoffman at m.hoffman@coggeshallfarm.org.

Memory Lane
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm: Flip through Coggeshall’s collection of photographs from its 43-year history as a nonprofit organization and help identify people and activities from years gone by.

Trail Blazers
By appointment for volunteers age 14 and up (weather dependent): Get some fresh air and help establish a woodlands trail on Coggeshall’s 48-acre site. Volunteers must complete an application and interview prior to work. Project suitable for students seeking community service hours. To participate, email Casey Duckett at c.duckett@coggeshallfarm.org.

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RI DEM News Release: Eight Indoor Winter Farmers’ Markets Throughout The State Offer Rhode Islanders A Wide Variety Of Local Products

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

RI Department of Environmental Management
For Release: November 19, 2014
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

Eight Indoor Winter Farmers’ Markets Throughout The State Offer Rhode Islanders A Wide Variety Of Local Products

Rhode Island-Grown and Produced Produce, Poultry, Meats and Seafood Are Available at the Winter Markets to Serve as Part of Your Thanksgiving Meal

Rhode Islanders now have eight winter farmers’ markets available throughout the state where they can purchase a wide variety of locally-grown and produced products. The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture and partners are helping to sponsor the indoor farmers’ markets through the “Get Fresh. Buy Local.” statewide campaign aimed at promoting awareness of and interest in buying RI-grown specialty crops.

“Buying fresh, locally-sourced meats, seafood, vegetables, fruit and dairy products at the winter farmers’ markets helps Rhode Islanders enjoy delicious, healthy foods and supports our local farmers,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Take some time to visit one of the eight winter farmers’ markets as you prepare for your Thanksgiving meal. Nothing’s better than a Rhode Island-grown turkey, locally-harvested fish and shellfish products, and farm-fresh potatoes, carrots, apples, cider and winter squash to compliment your holiday menu. They are all available – straight from the farm and the sea – at the winter markets.”

The South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market in the Peace Dale Mill Complex at 1425 Kingstown Road (Route 108) in Peace Dale is open on Saturdays through April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now in its sixth year, this market is an outgrowth of the South Kingstown farmers’ market that operates at URI’s East Farm and at Marina Park from May through October. This indoor winter market features a cornucopia of locally-grown and produced products, including seasonal vegetables and fruits, cornmeal, breads, harvest decorations, eggs, honey, candles, jams, RI wool blankets and yarns, artisan soaps, RI raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, oysters, fish, seafood, baked goods, and dog biscuits. For more information about the South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers Market, visit its website at www.southkingstownfarmersmarket.org.

The Coastal Growers’ Winter Market in North Kingstown at Lafayette Mill on Route 102, just west of Wickford in North Kingstown, is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 2. Throughout the summer and fall, the Coastal Growers’ Market operates on Saturdays at Casey Farm in Saunderstown. Shoppers are able to purchase a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, naturally raised meats, breads and baked goods, fresh eggs, preserves, honey, chocolate, local seafood and fish, popcorn, flowers, cold-pressed juices, mushrooms, wreaths, soaps, coffee, and handmade pizza for lunch. For additional information about the Coastal Growers’ Winter Market, visit its website at www.coastalmarket.org.

The Mount Hope Year-round Market at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the many products that are available at this market are locally-raised meat, fish and shellfish, vegetables, eggs, freshly-baked breads, pies, cakes, coffee, honey, herbs and granola. The Mount Hope market is located at 250 Metacom Avenue in Bristol and operates indoors now throughout the winter. For more information, visit www.mounthopefarm.org/farmersmarket.

The Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers’ Market at Hope Artiste Village at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 9. Now in its eighth year, the market is the largest wintertime farmers’ market in New England. It specializes in fresh, locally-grown and produced food including apples, beets, cabbage, carrots, onions, cranberries, mushrooms, greens, potatoes, radishes, winter squash, and more. Vendors will also be offering locally-raised eggs, pork, chicken, beef, fish, charcuterie and shellfish; locally-produced applesauce, tomato sauce, jams, jellies, pickles and cheese; granola, bread, cupcakes, crepes, pies and baked treats and dog biscuits. For more information about the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers’ Market, call 312-4250 or visit www.farmfreshri.org.

The Hope Valley Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market, located above the police station in the Richmond Community Center at 1168 Main Street in Wyoming, is open Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., through April 11. Vendors participating in the market include Our Kids Farm, Usquepaugh Baking Co., Carolyn’s Kitchen, Healey’s Farm, Kenyon’s Grist Mill, On The Lane Farm, and Narragansett Creamery. For more information, email market manager Meredith Westner at mwestner@yahoo.com.

In East Greenwich, the St. Luke’s ‘Arts And Farms’ Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market will be open every Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through March 2 at St. Luke’s Church located at Church located at 99 Pierce Street Street. A variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, coffee, breads, jams, prepared foods, and all natural dog food are available for purchase from local vendors at the market throughout the winter. For more information, email market manager Wesley Forsyth at musicandtrees7@gmail.com.

The Woonsocket Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market, located at the Thundermist Health Center at 450 Clinton Street in Woonsocket, is open Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through June 30. Vendors participating in the market include Blue Skys Farm and Farm Fresh & Co., which offer a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, dairy, grains, specialty items and a line of Harvest Kitchen products for purchase. For more information, email market manager Mikayla Moretti at mikayla@farmfreshri.org.

The Aquidneck Growers’ Market, now located indoors at Newport Vineyard and Winery in Middletown, is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 9. A wide variety of locally-grown fruit and vegetables will be available through the winter in addition to fresh breads and pastries, locally-sourced fresh seafood, pasture raised meat and eggs, and changing weekly artisan vendors. The market is located at 909 East Main Road. For additional information, visit www.aquidneckgrowersmarket.com.

The state’s $170 million agriculture industry benefits Rhode Island’s economy and quality of life, and provides access to local foods and horticultural products. Rhode Island has 1,243 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 68,000 acres. The state is a national leader in direct-sales to consumers, with 50 seasonal farmers markets in the state’s urban, suburban and rural areas, eight indoor winter markets, and numerous pick-your-own and farm stand operations.

“With the growing demand for locally-grown products, seasonal farmers’ markets help create a more sustainable, locally-based food system that benefits the Rhode Island economy and environment,” added Director Janet Coit. “The winter farmers’ markets are great places to purchase the freshest produce, meats and seafood possible – especially with Thanksgiving just a week away.”

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Holiday News Bites: Junior League of Rhode Island, The Grange for Southside Community Land Trust, Easy Entertaining Inc.

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.

Junior League of Rhode Island

Shop with a Cause this Holiday Season with the Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc.’s Online Charity Auction
2nd Annual Holiday Auction at BiddingForGood.com to Benefit Local Charities

The Junior League of RI, Inc. (JLRI), is pleased to announce the return of its online charity auction this holiday season, taking place Friday, November 29th through Friday, December 13th. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the JLRI and the work it does in the community, including its current focus of empowering young adults who are aging out of the Foster Care System in Rhode Island. For more information, please visit www.jlri.org.

Hosted on www.BiddingForGood.com/jlri, a charitable e-commerce company that connects fundraisers, cause-conscious shoppers and socially responsible businesses, this unique holiday shopping experience will give participants the opportunity to bid on unique gifts and experiences, such as spa treatments, boat cruises, and an African safari, all for a great cause!

The JLRI will host a holiday auction social with live bidding and “buy it now” opportunities for last minute shoppers on Thursday, December 12th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Jacky’s Waterplace in Providence, featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

The Grange Presents An Evening of Thanks and Giving to benefit Southside Community Land Trust

click the image to download the PDF flyer

Easy Entertaining Inc.

Easy Entertaining Inc. Launches One Stop Shop for All Your Holiday Needs!

Easy Entertaining has launched a glamorous holiday center for all your party needs. The team has put together three all-new menus and a new venue rental package for the holidays. Easy Entertaining has assembled the perfect locavore menus featuring pick up platters, passed apps and plated dinners. “We are thrilled to help our fantastic clients celebrate – locavore style. We have a wide variety of menus to choose from this year. From an elegant cocktail soiree to simple gourmet pick-up menus – we have you covered! I couldn’t be more excited.” Said Katie Roberts, owner & Chef at Easy Entertaining Inc.

Easy Entertaining’s Plated Holiday Soiree menu starts with a locavore station featuring assorted grilled pizzas, homespun pickled vegetables, and homespun chicken pate with sweet onion jam topper. Entreés include Rosemary & Balsamic grilled Baffoni Farm chicken breast, pumpkin risotto, New England Fisherman’s Stew, 100% Angus Blackbird Farms roast beef, espresso & cocoa rubbed sustainable pork loin, and Homespun Tuscan ragu with Blackbird beef & pork. The meal ends with a selection of desserts.

If you just need platters for your guests, choose from the “Local to You Winter Holiday” Menu with platters, petite bites, wraps & sandwiches, select entrees & sides along with breakfast items to cater or supplement your next soiree.

If your holiday party needs more of a “Gatsby” feel, Easy Entertaining’s “Holiday Cheer Sustainable Cocktail Soirees” menu features hot and cold local appetizers that include their signature Homemade Potato Chip Bar, Homespun Medi Chicken Meatballs, and Petit Chicken Tacos, just to name a few. Add a raw bar to your holiday party with Matunick oysters, or local littlenecks. Add on one of our live action stations where guests can fix their own Tacos, enjoy southern delights, or savor warm creamy risottos. (Packages are recommended and Bar services is available.)

All of these menus are available to be used at either your home or Easy Entertaining’s unique 2400 square foot venue, located in the heart of Providence’s west side featuring original hard wood floors and private parking with accommodations for up to 90 guests. For more information about Easy Entertaining’s Holiday Center go to their website at http://www.easyentertainingri.com/#!holiday-central/c22pc or call 401.437.6090 or email Info@EasyEntertainingRI.com

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