Eat Well, Do Good This Summer at Hope & Main Makers Market in Warren

Hope & Main, Rhode Island's leading culinary incubator, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an exciting new initiative at their Makers Market in Warren: Main Street Meals.

Main Street Meals is a reimagined version of Hope & Main’s acclaimed Nourish Our Neighbors program, which was created during the pandemic to tackle food insecurity. Through this program, Hope & Main compensates its start-up businesses to prepare meals made with locally sourced ingredients. These meals are then distributed to human services agencies across the state, including Head Start programs, women’s shelters, housing authorities, and public libraries, which provide them to food-insecure families at no cost. Since its inception in 2020, over 70,000 meals have been distributed.

Market visitors have had the option to purchase a frozen takeaway meal, which also funds a meal for a neighbor in need. This summer, Hope & Main will offer hot, ready-to-eat Main Street Meals at every market, making it easier for more people to try these meals and support the program.

Lisa Raiola, president and founder of Hope & Main, expresses her excitement: “We are looking forward to a new season and fresh energy this summer with the addition of Main Street Meals to the market. This program brings every aspect of our mission together, and we believe people will be drawn to the Makers Market to support our emerging food businesses and help combat Rhode Island’s significant hunger issue.”

Each week, a different chef or Hope & Main member will prepare a hot, ready-to-eat meal. These meals will be available every Wednesday from 4-7pm at Hope & Main Makers Market from June 12 to September 25.

“Main Street Meals symbolizes our renewed dedication to building community, supporting small businesses, and addressing food insecurity in Rhode Island,” says Shelby Doggett, director of food systems equity at Hope & Main. “This initiative reinforces our belief that we all share a common table!” The season opening of the Makers Market will be held on the front lawn of 691 Main Street, Warren on Wednesday, June 12. For more information, visit MakeFoodYourBusiness.com