Rhode Island Food Policy Council

Will election results deliver a farm bill this year? Join us on Tuesday, November 19 at noon to learn from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Senior Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli, Ph.D. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dCjAE3v3

Passing 'Proposition 4' means $53 million to fund critical land and farm conservation, green development, and jobs in every city and town in the state. Shout out to Council members Andrew Morley and Laura Haverland from @Sweet & Salty Farm (one of our state's few dairy farms) for their op-ed to @ecoRI News last week, focused on how Prop. 4's farmland conservation funding will support our farmers: "If Rhode Island is going to weather the challenges that a changing climate is bringing us, including disrupted food supply chains, we need more farmers, more farms, and more food grown here in Rhode Island." Read the full op-ed ?? https://lnkd.in/eVmfRSKi

October’s edition of "Notes from the Field" is here ?? new name, same mission! From policy updates to events and resources, this issue is packed with ways to stay connected and informed—and definitely "worth your time"! In this issue:? ? ? Policy Retreat 2024: Recap and next steps for 2025 priorities? ? New Board Members: Meet the newest leaders joining RIFPC? ? Program Highlights: Updates from— Food Access & Nutrition Security, Food, Climate & Environment, and Food Business & Economy? ? Policy for the People: Upcoming event on Nov 19 at noon ET—Farm Bill Update? ? We’re Hiring: Join our team as a Food Climate & Environment Program Associate or Seasonal Outreach Coordinator? ? Check out the full newsletter ?? https://lnkd.in/eZnVVEBW

A trip to the Johnson Landfill is to see the good, bad, and ugly of our waste systems in Rhode Island. As far as landfills go, if you wanted someone to run yours you probably couldn’t do a lot better than RIRRC however, it is a landfill and one rapidly running out of space. ? ? They took us to an area where they were tearing down old buildings to build new ones so they could have more space to throw our trash. While creating more trash in the process. We can only hope some of it is recycled. Then we traveled up to one of the highest points in the state (often thought to be #1 it’s “only” #2) built upon a mountain of our waste. ? ? As we traveled up the mountain we saw well-manicured compost piles made from leaf and yard waste showing the potential to recycle our organic material into a soil-regenerating product unfortunately they do not compost food waste. When the food waste does make its way to the landfill and the landfill is capped they are able to capture a portion of the methane generated to generate energy, however much of it escapes even before capping and some that is captured is flared (burned) rather than used. As we made it to the top they were loading in trash and you could see wood, and potentially reusable materials that were meeting their untimely demise, perhaps never to be seen again. ? ? As we came back we passed the MRF (Materials recycling facility) where all the mixed recycling is loaded for sorting. It’s a feat of engineering that they’re able to capture as much as they do, and RIRRC provides education to increase recycling rates. But even with great technology and educators recycling remains as low as 3% in some communities. One way we can improve that is by taking wet, heavy food waste out of the mix, recycling it into black gold (compost), and helping increase the overall rate of recycling, helping our planet. ? ? -- ? Isaac Bearg, Food, Climate & Environment Program Director ? ? With the Waste Food Solutions Action Network #WFSAN Isaac is working to build a more sustainable RI -- striving for zero waste, and ecologically sound practices that protect the climate. Learn more ?? rifoodcouncil.org

What a day! ?? This year’s Policy Retreat was a huge success, and we’re grateful to everyone who made time to help shape the Council’s 2025 policy priorities. The retreat focused on our 2024 impact on food policy at the State House, preparing for advocacy in the next session, and recognizing our 2024 Food Policy Changemakers: Sen. Tiara Mack and Rep. Terri Cortvriend. ??? Next, we’re dialing in on strategies for the upcoming legislative session in just three months. We’re excited to launch our On-Call Advocates program, inviting volunteers to jump in during key hearings and events. If on-call advocacy interests you, join our Policy for the People webinars to learn more! Thank you again to everyone who helped make the day so special! ?? #RIFoodPolicy #PolicyRetreat2024 #CommunityAction #Changemakers #Sustainability #FoodPolicy

Congratulations Rep. Terri Cortvriend and Sen. Tiara Mack, our 2024 Food Policy Changemakers! ?? Last month at the RIFPC Policy Retreat, we had the opportunity to recognize their tireless efforts and advocacy for Rhode Island’s environment and food system, and we look forward to continuing this important work together! Read the full releases ?? Senator Tiara Mack: https://bit.ly/3MSF6AA Representative Terri Cortvriend: https://bit.ly/3TvNSs6 #FoodPolicy #Changemakers #RIFPC #Sustainability #2024

Our landfill is filling faster than we’d like, and food waste is a huge contributor to methane emissions. Over the past several months, we’ve had the privilege of talking with municipal leaders across Rhode Island to understand the real barriers and opportunities around food waste management. We’ve now completed the Rhode Island Municipal Composting Readiness Report, and earlier this month, we invited the RI community to join us as we shared our findings, discussed how we can best support local efforts, and asked for feedback on anything we may have missed. Take a moment and #ReadtheReport ?? https://lnkd.in/eAzUU8Nc

Happening tomorrow — Register today! ?????? https://lnkd.in/eHA94p53

We're Hiring! ?? The RI Food Policy Council is looking for full-time, and part-time individuals to join our team:? ? ?? Food Climate & Environment Program Associate (full-time ? salary) ?? Seasonal Outreach Coordinator (part-time ? hourly) ? If you, or someone you know, are enthusiastic about local food systems, justice, and resilience, a highly organized and accountable team player, and an excellent communicator — apply now!? ? ?? https://lnkd.in/eDM7g4s9

We want to help you apply for a LASA Grant! The LASA grant program is designed to invest in Rhode Island’s agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry industries by supporting small and beginning farms and local food businesses. Join us on Monday, October 21 at 4 PM for a 60-minute virtual session where we’ll guide you through the application process, provide an overview, and answer your questions. ?? Sign up here: bit.ly/LASA2025 ? LASA Applications are open until November 30, 2024.