The resolution proposes the creation of a special joint legislative commission in Rhode Island to explore the adoption of the Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP). The GFPP is a framework designed to help public institutions procure food that is nutritious, affordable, ethically produced, and environmentally sustainable, while also supporting local economies and fair labor practices. The commission will consist of seventeen members, including state legislators, department directors, and representatives from relevant organizations and industries. Its goal is to assess current food procurement practices and consider how GFPP standards could enhance Rhode Island's food system, with a focus on supporting local agriculture, ensuring fair labor conditions, promoting animal welfare, and improving public health. Additionally, the commission will look at how the GFPP could help address social inequalities by encouraging investment in disadvantaged communities and supporting minority-owned businesses.
The commission is expected to provide an interim report by December 15, 2024, and a final report by February 15, 2025, to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. These reports will contain recommendations for implementing the GFPP standards in Rhode Island. Following the submission of the final report, the commission will remain active until February 15, 2026, to monitor and assist with the implementation of its recommendations. The resolution details the commission's composition, objectives, and reporting deadlines, emphasizing its role in potentially transforming the state's food procurement policies to align with the principles of the GFPP.