THE RI FOOD POLICY COUNCIL WILL EXPAND THE WHOLESALE MARKET FOR LOCALLYGROWN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND LOCALLYHARVESTED WILDCAUGHT SEAFOOD. THIS INITIATIVE AIMS TO CONNECT OVER 80 FARMERS AND FISHERMEN WITH EMERGENCY FOOD BUYERS FACILITATING THE SALE OF OVER 50 LOCALLYGROWN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND OVER 30 LOCALLYHARVESTED SEAFOOD ITEMS. THE PROJECT WILL ESTABLISH WHOLESALE RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMERGENCY FOOD BUYERS THEREBY INCREASING SALES FOR FARMERS AND FISHERMEN. THE ANTICIPATED OUTCOME IS A STRENGTHENED LOCAL EMERGENCY FEEDING SYSTEM THAT SERVES AS A RELIABLE AND LARGER WHOLESALE MARKET FOR THESE PRODUCERS AND HARVESTERS ENHANCING THEIR RESILIENCE AGAINST SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS. THE PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROJECT INCLUDE FARMERS RANCHERS PROCESSORS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN THE REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM. THIS EXPANSION WILL BOLSTER THE ABILITY OF LOCAL FOOD BUSINESSES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE STATES EMERGENCY FOOD SYSTEM CREATING A MORE STABLE AND RESPONSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN FOR PRODUCERS AND INCREASING ACCESS TO LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD FOR CONSUMERS.