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H7325
2026 -- H 7325
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LC003469
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING JANUARY 27, 2026 TO BE “RHODE ISLAND FOOD INSECURITY
AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Slater, Chippendale,
Paplauskas, Hull, J. Lombardi, Diaz, Kislak, and Voas
Date Introduced:
January 27, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, In 2025, a record number of Rhode Islanders needed food assistance due to
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high food prices, the steep rise in housing costs, and the end of COVID-19 relief programs; and
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WHEREAS, According to the 2026 annual Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island,
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nearly one out of every five or 34% of Rhode Island households are unable to meet their basic
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food needs; and
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WHEREAS, Communities of color are at the greatest risk of hunger, such that while 27%
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of white households are food insecure, the rate is 50% among Black households, 58% among
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Latino households, and 44% among all other households (including Asian, Native American, and
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more than one race/ethnicity); and
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WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2025, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (“Food Bank”)
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distributed 18.5 million pounds of food through its 147 member agencies across Rhode Island;
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and
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WHEREAS, The Food Bank’s statewide network of 137 member agencies served an
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average of 85,000 individuals per month in 2025 (January through September), an increase of 5%
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from the previous year when an average 82,000 people were served monthly; and
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WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2026 the Food Bank will spend $7 million on food acquisition
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to keep pace with the high demand for food assistance; and
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WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island is committed to addressing the health and
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wellbeing of its residents by continuing public awareness of increased food insecurity and
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seeking ways to address this increased need; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims January 27, 2026, to be “Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day” in the State of
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Rhode Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, The
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Honorable Daniel J. Mckee.
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LC003469
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