Report on R.I.’s food system released

A NEW report on Rhode Island’s food system, “Update to the RI Food Assessment: 2011-2016 and Beyond,” was released this week by the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Foundation.
A NEW report on Rhode Island’s food system, “Update to the RI Food Assessment: 2011-2016 and Beyond,” was released this week by the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Foundation.

PROVIDENCE – A new report on Rhode Island’s food system, “Update to the RI Food Assessment: 2011-2016 and Beyond,” was released this week by the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Foundation.

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s 2015 announcement to create a new position within the R.I. Department of Environmental Management to create the state’s first plan for food and agriculture led the R.I. Food Policy Council to initiate an updated report. A previous report was released in 2011, focusing on local food and affordable food access. The new 2016 assessment focuses on public health and economic developments.

“This update provides a solid platform and positions Rhode Island as a national leader in food planning efforts,” RIFPC Chair Ken Payne said in prepared remarks. “The importance of food in our daily lives and in our culture can’t be overstated. The update provides data on food in public health, economic, environmental and, very importantly, community contexts. The council looks forward to working with state and local agencies and with the people and organizations who are working to develop a comprehensive food plan for Rhode Island. The update is a starting place in this concerted effort.”

The report shows that since the council released its 2011 assessment, there has been substantial agricultural growth, surpassing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s estimate by four times, with agricultural jobs at 1.4 times the calculations. The number of farms increased 44 percent, to 1,243 in 2012 from 858 in 2002. Agricultural sales are at $238.9 million, with the sector accounting for 2,563 jobs, not including the 2,000 for farmers and their families.

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Gaps in food security are revealed. In 2014, there were 147,460 food insecure individuals in R.I., which means that 14 percent of individuals lacked access to food without resorting to emergency food services. At 15.1 percent, Providence County has the highest rate of food insecurity in the state. Newport County is No. 2 with a rate of 12.5 percent and Kent County No. 3 with a rate of 12.1 percent.

R.I. is lacking in economic growth. Citing the USDA, Rhode Island farms averaged $47,990 in sales in 2012, an 11 percent decrease from $54,067 in sales in 2007. In 2012, only 24 farms had sales over $500,000 or more, with 75 percent reporting annual sales less than $20,000.
Within the report are suggestions promote economic growth:

  • Addressing food insecurity to catalyze economic growth
  • Increasing aid for Rhode Island’s growing agricultural sector
  • Increasing local demand, consumption for Rhode Island seafood
  • Simplifying the state’s complex web of food safety regulation

In May, Raimondo announced Sue AnderBois as R.I.’s first director of food strategy. This 2016 report will serve as her guideline for developing R.I.’s food plan, according to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment in Rhode Island,” AnderBois said in a statement. “With so many important pieces of the food puzzle coming together – from our farms and fisheries to our incubators and partners, we are well positioned to develop an actionable plan that brings Rhode Island’s food picture into clear view and addresses important public health and access goals. Governor Raimondo has set us on a path to lead and build a strong food system to benefit all Rhode Islanders. RIFPC is an important partner in this work, and I applaud the efforts of all involved with compiling this important update. It provides a good foundation for the work ahead.”

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