Bill > S2237

This joint resolution authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank to address a significant increase in demand for emergency food assistance, which reached historic highs in 2025 with over 102,000 Rhode Islanders seeking help from food pantries. The resolution highlights that one in three Rhode Island households are experiencing food insecurity, and nearly 32,000 residents will face reduced or eliminated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to federal changes, resulting in an estimated $9.5 million loss in benefits for Rhode Islanders. Consequently, individuals affected by these SNAP reductions will rely more heavily on food pantries, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which supports 137 member agencies across the state and has already seen its own federal funding for food decrease.

Budget and Finance

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