FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Local Food Resources In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, DEM has developed a resource guide for consumers to find local food. For the latest information about COVID-19, please visit the official page of the Rhode Island Department of Health. People or businesses with general questions about COVID-19 and questions on how to follow the latest guidance should call 401-222-8022, or if the call is outside of business hours, call 211. Order locally grown food for home delivery or pick up: Many farmers and local food businesses are offering delivery and pick up options for consumers. Here are a few resources to find Rhode Island produce and products: Local Farm Food Delivery and Pickup Options from RI Monthly Find Rhode Island farms on the Whatsgood app - RI-based app that is organizing delivery and pick-up of locally grown vegetables, meats, seafood, and locally made kitchen staples Farm Fresh Rhode Island has opened its Market Mobile delivery service to retail customers (under normal circumstances it operates as a farm to restaurant delivery service). Just remember to double-check quantities before ordering! RI Farm Bureau, list of Farms and Products available Sign-up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share from a farm near you: Farm Fresh CSA or Edible Rhody: Shop Local CSAs & CSFs in Rhode Island Farmers from Pat’s Pastured, Robin Hollow Farm, Sweet & Salty Farm, Wishing Stone Farm and Walrus & Carpenter Oysters are offering farm to home delivery service for meats, eggs, cheese, veggies, flowers and oyster and more. New farms have just been added. Salad greens can be delivered from Baby Greens to your door. Narragansett Bay Lobsters is currently offering a wide range of seafood for home delivery service in nearly 14 towns. Fully Rooted is delivering delicious juice blends and kombucha. Roch's Fresh Foods is delivering groceries all over the state. Aquidneck Community Table has a complete list of their vendors now accepting pre-orders for delivery. Eat Drink RI created a helpful list of local food and drink online ordering options Hope & Main's Eat Strong RI campaign has resources to help you find or order locally-prepared food from their makers, many of which are available for home delivery. GoProvidence Discover Newport South County Blackstone Valley Statewide - EatDrinkRI What’s Up Newp has organized this Newport area takeout list Rhode Island Monthly compiled a list of restaurants, and other businesses that have adapted to remain open for takeout and delivery, and would appreciate your business. Craving local craft beer? You can still purchase and pick up beer from many of the state's breweries. Eat Drink RI has organized this helpful, up-to-date list of Local brewery and distillery pickup locations Farmers Markets Prev Next Slide 1 Slide 2 Farmer Stands RI Farm Bureau, list of Farms and Products available Ways to Help Supporting Local Businesses Supporting, Caring, and Cooking for one another during COVID-19. A guide on supporting local restaurants and food-related businesses through online ordering, from Edible Rhody 3/20/20. Help save local restaurants by ordering curbside pickup or delivery, especially if you are in a high-risk category. Help a neighbor in need The Rhode Island Community Food Bank and its member agencies continue to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, distributing food to neighbors in need throughout the state. You can donate to the RI Food Bank and help a neighbor in need! Here is alist with map of where you can find food at a local food pantry. The USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program has distributed more than 100 million boxes to those in need since May, with the aim of redirecting meat, dairy and produce that might normally go to restaurants and other food-service businesses. DEM and partners, including Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, RI Department of Education and others, are working with Vincent Farms of Delaware, the recipient of this round of funds to help distribute food boxes across the state through the end of October. With 10-12,000 boxes per week of fresh food remaining available to Rhode Islanders in need, Vincent Farms is seeking partner food banks, nonprofits, and other organizations interested in organizing distribution to make the most of this opportunity. Distribution Sign Up: Interested organizations should complete the Non-Profit Participation Form and submit it to Vincent Farms. Additional Resources RI Food Policy Council NOFA RI COVID-19 Resources for Farmers Means Database Social Enterprise Greenhouse Guide to local farms and farmers markets Grocers and Retailers with local food in RI DEM Resource for local food and farmers markets Local Food Non-Profits: Southside Community Land Trust Hope’s Harvest RI 401 Gives, April 1, 2020 *Please note that this is not a complete list of resources. We will be updating this site as new information is provided. If you know of relevant resources not listed here please submit them to our form for inclusion.