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

This bill appropriates $3 million from the state treasury for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Rhode Island Food Bank. It directly supports the Food Bank’s 137 member agencies across Rhode Island, which serve communities facing heightened food insecurity. The resolution responds to rising demand (over 102,000 people using pantries in November 2025) and the loss of $9.5 million in federal SNAP benefits affecting up to 32,000 residents. The funds will be paid via state vouchers to the Food Bank as needed, supplementing reduced federal support. This is a funding measure, not a new policy.