Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more Rhode Islanders than ever are in need of emergency and supplemental food. At the same time, Rhode Island farmers and food sector businesses are facing widespread market and supply chain disruption. U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline include federal funds for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law No. 116-136). CFAP provides $3 billion to purchase and distribute agricultural products to those in need nationwide.
This RI Congressional delegation announces that Farm Fresh Rhode Island has been approved by USDA for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. As a result of CFAP, Market Mobile works with local farms to create over 75,000 “Farmers to Families Food Boxes” containing fresh, local vegetables, fruit, milk, yogurt, and cheeses in 2020. These nutritious, local products are packed and delivered weekly to Rhode Islanders in need.
