Rhode Island

FoodCorps is an active member of the Rhode Island Healthy School Meals for All Coalition and the RI Food Policy Council, working to advance access to nutritious meals for all students. While Rhode Island introduced Healthy School Meals for All legislation between 2021 and 2023 without success, recent progress has been made. Funding secured in the final state budget now ensures that 6,500 students who previously received reduced-price meals will get them free of charge. In the 2025 legislative session, momentum continues with the introduction of HB 5742 / SB 0452, which would establish a statewide universal school meals program phased in over three years. Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, all public elementary schools would provide free meals, expanding to middle schools in 2027–2028, and covering all K-12 students by 2028–2029. The bills aim to eliminate student hunger, improve educational and health outcomes, and support local economies through investments in scratch cooking, family-informed meals, and locally sourced food. As of May 2025, the legislation is under active consideration, with committees recommending the measure be held for further study.