JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Grace Diaz and 3 co-sponsors

Rhode Island allocates $3 million from the general treasury in 2026-27 to the Rhode Island Food Bank to bolster emergency food distribution through its 137 member agencies.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Bill overview

Bill: HR 7259

Session: 2026

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island

Title: Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation of $3,000,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank

Introduced: January 21, 2026

Referred to: House Finance

Sponsored by: Representatives Slater, Diaz, Sanchez, and Morales

Status: Scheduled for hearing/consideration (as of May 14, 2026)

Purpose and intent

The resolution authorizes a state appropriation to support the Rhode Island Food Bank in response to heightened need for emergency food assistance.

It acknowledges recent increases in demand for food assistance and anticipated ongoing strain due to changes in federal SNAP benefits.

Specifically aims to bolster the Rhode Island Food Bank’s capacity to serve communities across the state, including its 137 member agencies.

Key provisions

Appropriation amount: $3,000,000 (three million dollars).

Source: Funds drawn from money in the state treasury that is not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

Authorization: The state controller is empowered and directed to issue payments from the general treasury for the appropriation, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

Timing: The expenditure is aligned with the 2026-2027 fiscal year, contingent on voucher authentication.

Who/what is affected

Rhode Island Food Bank: Receives direct funding to support operations, distribution, and related services.

137 member agencies: Indirectly aided through enhanced resources and capacity of the central food bank to supply partner agencies.

Rhode Island residents relying on emergency food assistance: Beneficiaries of increased pantry capacity and stability in food distribution.

State finances: A one-time appropriation drawn from the treasury, with ongoing administrative processes for voucher-based payments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: January 21, 2026; referred to House Finance.

Hearing/consideration: Scheduled for May 14, 2026 (per action history note).

Budget cycle: Aligns with the fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriation window; payments subject to voucher authentication.

Oversight: Administered by the Rhode Island State Controller, who would issue payments against properly authenticated vouchers.

Potential impact and context

Addresses a reported surge in demand for emergency food assistance following federal SNAP changes from Congress’s H.R. 1 (July 2025), which is projected to reduce or stop benefits for many Rhode Island households.

Aims to mitigate anticipated shortfalls in federal support by providing state-level funding to sustain food distribution networks and ensure continued access to food for vulnerable residents.

Helps stabilize operations of the Rhode Island Food Bank and its network of member agencies during a period of increased need.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to prior year appropriations or outline potential metrics for evaluating the impact of this funding (e.g., number of meals distributed, client counts, or pantry reach).