Hunger Elimination Task Force

HUNGER ELIMINATION TASK FORCE

In 2017 the Interagency Food & Nutrition Policy Advisory Council launched the Hunger Elimination Task Force (HETF) as part of Rhode Island’s first food plan, Relish Rhody. HETF was created in response to the growing recognition that too many Rhode Islanders lacked consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

The initiative acknowledged that food insecurity is a complex, systemic issue requiring coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. To address these challenges, the Task Force brought together key state agencies—including RIDOH, EOHHS, DHS, DEM, and RIDE—alongside community leaders and advocacy organizations such as the RI Community Food Bank, URI SNAP Ed, and the RI Public Health Institute.

2017 - 2020

Over the course of a year, the Task Force examined the underlying causes of food insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, lack of transportation, and barriers to accessing federal nutrition programs. Their work culminated in the release of a comprehensive set of recommendations in 2018, outlining strategic priorities across six key areas: economic development, expanding food purchasing power, streamlining program participation, addressing transportation barriers, grounding in data, and supporting the safety net. Despite funding challenges, the Task Force made significant progress in strengthening Rhode Island’s food security infrastructure through cross-sector collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and targeted policy interventions.

2020-2024

In 2021, the RI Food Policy Council began facilitating the quarterly meetings. Food access, nutrition, and public health champions presented on initiative to reduce hunger and increase access to healthy, culturally-appropriate food for all RI residents. In addition to these presentations were panelist discussions and break-out groups. In effort to foster collaboration and drive change, HETF piloted Actions Groups in 2024. These groups will brought individuals together for 2-3 short meetings to develop a list of policy recommendations to improve food access that will be presented at the Inter-Agency Food and Nutrition Policy Advisory Committee (IFNPAC).

2025

At the end of 2024, HETF concluded its current iteration. With the upcoming launch of the new state food plan, IFNPAC will explore new ways for a task force to address policy and regulatory barriers to ending hunger.

The Rhode Island Department of Health hosts monthly Community Office Hours, providing a space for community members and organizations to engage with state agencies and one another. State agency and community organization representatives share updates on food access programs and discuss any upcoming changes. Learn more on the Regular Convenings page.