Two Rhode Island legislators, including Portsmouth Rep. Michelle McGaw, received recognition Monday for their efforts to strengthen the state’s local food system.
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council presented its annual Changemaker awards to Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski and Rep. Michelle McGaw during the organization’s policy retreat at Providence Public Library.
Sosnowski, D-South Kingstown, was recognized for her longstanding support of Rhode Island’s farms, fisheries and local food system. The senator helped lead creation of the state’s Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grant program and continues advocating for farmers and fishers as a farmer herself.
McGaw, D-Portsmouth, was honored for her leadership on tax fairness issues affecting small farms, a key priority for the food policy council. The representative has championed small farms in both rural and urban areas.
“Both of the Changemaker awardees this year exemplify what it looks like for elected state officials to truly stand up for our local food system,” said Nessa Richman, the council’s executive director. “We look forward to working with them in the 2026 session to continue to create a more just, resilient food system in the Ocean State.”
McGaw represents District 71, which includes Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton. Sosnowski represents District 37.
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council was founded in 2011 and works to create a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable food system in Rhode Island.