A recent article from the The Providence Journal spotlights the appointment of Janet Coit as the next Executive Director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island, beginning April 13.
Coit brings decades of experience in environmental and food systems leadership, including serving as Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and leading the National Marine Fisheries Service. Her career has focused on strengthening connections between natural resources, local economies, and community well-being—work that closely aligns with Farm Fresh RI’s mission:
Coit said she’s always loved what Farm Fresh does to promote local food with its farmers markets, its work to reduce food waste through the Hope’s Harvest program to collect surplus fruits and vegetables from farms, and the organization’s efforts to help people eat healthier. She said she goes every Saturday to Farm Fresh’s winter farmers market at its headquarters on Sims Avenue.
She said she’s looking forward to working with local farmers and fishermen. She believes there’s room specifically to expand local consumption of Rhode Island-caught seafood and that her experience at NOAA could help make that happen.
“Working at the federal level can feel disconnected from what’s happening on the ground,” said Coit, a Barrington resident who also worked for The Nature Conservancy and the late U.S. Sen. John H. Chafee. “The opportunity to work with people directly in Rhode Island is exciting.”
She acknowledged the challenging funding landscape,. When the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled programs last year that bought local products for food pantries and schools, Farm Fresh was getting 40 percent of its budget through the programs.
“My biggest goal is to make sure Farm Fresh is financially viable and sustainable so it can keep doing the things it’s always been doing,” Coit said.
As highlighted in the article, Coit is focused on ensuring Farm Fresh RI’s long-term sustainability while continuing to expand opportunities for local farmers and fishers. Her leadership will be key as we work to keep fresh, local food accessible to all Rhode Islanders.
Read the full article here.
For media inquiries, please contact communications@farmfreshri.org
