Rhode Island 2026 food summit aims to meet the moment
The University of Rhode Island is hosting its 2026
Rhode Island Food System Summit — the first time since the pandemic to
gather in person as a statewide community of leaders, innovators, and
changemakers. Organizers say this year’s summit at the URI campus is more than
a meeting; it is a powerful act of coming together to “meet the moment” in
building a resilient, equitable food future.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, starting at 9 a.m.,
the free event will bring state government, academic, business, and community
partners together in person for URI’s ninth Rhode Island Food System Summit to
discuss ways to build the state’s food future. This year’s program expands on
what has been a virtual program in recent years with a day’s worth of events
and activities in URI’s DeChristofaro Center for Biotechnology and Life
Sciences, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston.
This year’s keynote speaker, Melissa Cherney,
new CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, embodies the theme as she
steps into leadership at one of the state’s most vital institutions, guiding
Rhode Island toward a new era of food security and justice.
Two dynamic panels will anchor this year’s summit and explore steps underway to strengthen the state’s food ecosystem:
- Community
Food Access will feature grassroots, nonprofit, and business
leaders who are tackling hunger and inequity with creativity and courage
- Strengthening
the Supply Chain will highlight strategies to connect farmers,
fishers, and makers with distributors, institutions, and wholesale buyers
to unlock generational wealth and shared prosperity
Breakout sessions will spotlight projects aligned with Rhode
Island’s food strategy, offering participants the chance to learn from
innovative initiatives, share ideas, and build new collaborations. These
sessions are designed to spark dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and provide
momentum for Relish
Rhody 2.0.
The day begins with registration and a networking breakfast
at 8 a.m. and includes a Rhode Island Farm-to-Campus Lunch, breakout sessions,
and more. For the full schedule and to register, visit the
program website.
“This year’s summit is a forum for hope and collective
resolve,” according to Lisa Townson, associate dean for extension and
agricultural programs at URI. “We want to recognize work happening around the
state, confront challenges, and chart a path forward with confidence so Rhode
Island’s food system can rise to the moment.”
The 2026 Rhode Island Food System Summit is free and open
to the public. Advanced
registration is required.
The Food Summit is sponsored by URI’s College of the
Environment and Life Sciences, with support from sponsors Vicente’s Tropical
Supermarket, PRESS (Partnership
for Research Excellence in Sustainable Seafood), and Rhode Island Commerce.
For more information, contact ltownson@uri.edu.
WHO: Melissa Cherney, Rhode Island Community
Food Bank; along with URI researchers and experts; local industry leaders and
community partners; and more. Visit the Rhode Island Food System Summit for
a full
agenda and speaking program.
WHAT: The ninth annual Rhode Island Food System
Summit: Meet the Moment: What are we doing now?
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (snow
date, Jan. 20)
WHERE: This year’s Rhode Island Food System
Summit will be held on the URI Kingston Campus, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston. Advance
registration is required.
