Nourish RI
Acting Today To Build A Healthier Tomorrow
The Nourish RI Coalition was founded by the Rhode Island Public Health Institute in 2021 to advocate for state policies to improve access to healthy, affordable food and increase food and nutrition security for all Rhode Islanders.
Partners Who Power Our Path Forward
Together with a powerful network of organizations and grassroots advocates statewide, we’re leading the charge for policies that ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to healthy, affordable food.
Our Collaborative Network
We’ve teamed up with a variety of organizations and grassroots advocates across the state to champion healthy food access policies. Check out some of the coalition members who have been with us on this journey.
Our Advocacy Vision
As we head into the 2025 General Assembly Session, the Nourish RI coalition is focusing on the following policy campaigns:
Ongoing Funding for Eat Well, Be Well Rewards
Ongoing Funding for Eat Well, Be Well Rewards: We successfully secured continued funding for Eat Well, Be Well Rewards, the nation’s first statewide SNAP incentive program. This vital program has made healthy food more affordable and accessible to all Rhode Islanders, especially those using SNAP benefits. This program allows Rhode Island SNAP beneficiaries to double the value of their SNAP dollars when they buy fresh produce at all Stop and Shop and Walmart stores statewide. Our advocacy campaign led to funding for this important statewide initiative, helping thousands of families make healthier food choices.
Healthy Kids Meals in Restaurants
Healthy Kids Meals in Restaurants: We are actively advocating to establish uniform nutrition standards for kids’ meals in Rhode Island restaurants. Our advocacy focuses on creating clear guidelines for calories, ingredients, and overall nutrition in kids’ meals, making it easier for parents to choose healthy options when dining out with their families. We remain committed to advocating for this important program and are optimistic about its positive impact on children’s health across the state.
Rhode Island’s Sugary Drink Tax
In 2021, we led an advocacy campaign for a statewide sugary drinks tax. While we didn’t carry this bill across the finish line, this was how the SNAP incentives program was ultimately funded. We continue to support and advocate for a sugary drink tax, which we believe is an important public health opportunity to reduce pediatric obesity in Rhode Island and beyond. Sugary drinks taxes are important ways to reduce health disparities.
These ongoing efforts reflect our commitment to advocating for policies that will create a healthier, more equitable future for Rhode Islanders. As we look toward 2025, we remain focused on turning these initiatives into lasting change for our state.
Ready to Make a Difference? Join Our Coalition!
Want to make a real impact?
We’re looking for change-makers who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Drop your info below, and let’s get to work!
Show Your Support
To help move these programs forward, you can contact the governor and express your support for these initiatives
Here’s How You Can Take Action and Make a Difference:
Reach Out Directly
Send an email to Governor Dan McKee sharing your support for the Eat Well, Be Well, Healthy Kids Meals legislation, and the Sugary Drink Tax. Be clear and passionate about how these policies will benefit the community and improve public health.
Call the Governor’s Office
A phone call to the governor’s office is a quick and effective way to voice your support. Let them know why these programs matter to you and urge them to prioritize them in the upcoming session.
Use Social Media
Tag the governor and @RIPHI in posts on social media to raise awareness and show that these issues matter to voters.
Encourage Others to Speak Up
Share how others can help by contacting the governor too. The more voices, the stronger the push for action.