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6/16/2022 General Assembly passes Rep. Casimiro and Sen. Valverde’s legislation making it easier for food banks to fundraise
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2022-H 7911A, 2022-S 2550A) sponsored by Rep. Julie A. Casimiro and Sen. Bridget G. Valverde which would exempt nonprofit and not-for-profit food banks from the registration requirements under the “solicitation by charitable organizations” statute.

“Times are tough right now for too many of our residents and the use of our state’s food banks and pantries has risen dramatically.  Simply put, food prices that are already too high are continuing to rise, putting added pressure on our state’s families and the food banks that these individuals rely upon to feed themselves and their children.  This bill will give our food banks the fundraising flexibility they need to continue providing for Rhode Island’s hungry and vulnerable residents at a time when every single dollar that goes toward food counts,” said Representative Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter).

“Everyone is experiencing sticker shock every time they walk into a grocery store these days, but these rising food prices hit our state’s vulnerable population particularly hard.  These individuals and families rely upon our state’s food pantries to stay fed, but unfortunately, our food pantries are also feeling the negative effects of rising food prices.  This bill will allow our food pantries to stay open and operational so they may continue to provide the vital services that so many in our state need,” said Senator Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, Narragansett, South Kingstown).

The act would not apply to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.



For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124