David Folcarelli
@folcarelli.bsky.social
Pretty cool day at work today supporting the Centennial Tower Tenant Union. Video of @sabinamatos.bsky.social via @steveahlquist.bsky.social.
November 20, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Pretty cool day at work today supporting the Centennial Tower Tenant Union. Video of @sabinamatos.bsky.social via @steveahlquist.bsky.social.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
"We would have small businesses tell us that if they walked into a Walmart or a Costco the retail price at those stores is lower than the wholesale price that a small business is getting."
@linamkhan.bsky.social on the need to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act to stop price discrimination👇
@linamkhan.bsky.social on the need to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act to stop price discrimination👇
November 14, 2025 at 8:09 PM
"We would have small businesses tell us that if they walked into a Walmart or a Costco the retail price at those stores is lower than the wholesale price that a small business is getting."
@linamkhan.bsky.social on the need to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act to stop price discrimination👇
@linamkhan.bsky.social on the need to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act to stop price discrimination👇
This is unfortunately a win for Stop and Shop. Whole Foods expanding here means that the nearest non-specialty grocery stores to the neighborhood remain the S&S locations in PVD and EP.
The city should push aggressively to get a new grocery store into the former WF space on Pitman.
The city should push aggressively to get a new grocery store into the former WF space on Pitman.
Providence's former Eastside Marketplace, which closed down on Halloween last year, will be the home of the city's newest Whole Foods, according to city records. More: https://www.wpri.com/business-news/whole-foods-to-lease-former-eastside-marketplace-in-providence/
November 11, 2025 at 8:20 PM
This is unfortunately a win for Stop and Shop. Whole Foods expanding here means that the nearest non-specialty grocery stores to the neighborhood remain the S&S locations in PVD and EP.
The city should push aggressively to get a new grocery store into the former WF space on Pitman.
The city should push aggressively to get a new grocery store into the former WF space on Pitman.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
One year after a grocery mainstay in Providence closed its doors, the owner of the property has signed a 20-year lease with Whole Foods.
Whole Foods leases vacant Eastside Marketplace in Providence - The Boston Globe
The 33,800-square foot grocery store has been vacant since Stop & Shop closed 32 stores last year
trib.al
November 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
One year after a grocery mainstay in Providence closed its doors, the owner of the property has signed a 20-year lease with Whole Foods.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
Updated: Over 900 R.I. retailers rely on SNAP, which includes nearly 200 locally-owned grocery stores. SNAP money can account for “as much as 60% of food sales in low-income areas,” @sabinamatos.bsky.social said. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/11/06/r...
R.I. federal judge orders Trump to fully fund SNAP; USDA wastes no time filing appeal • Rhode Island Current
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use available contingency funds and other allocated emergency subsidies to restore the full $9 billion in November food stamp benefits by Friday, a Rhode...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Updated: Over 900 R.I. retailers rely on SNAP, which includes nearly 200 locally-owned grocery stores. SNAP money can account for “as much as 60% of food sales in low-income areas,” @sabinamatos.bsky.social said. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/11/06/r...
One reason Trump isn't funding SNAP is that this is how he cooks the books on inflation.
1) Reduce consumer demand by limiting SNAP payments
2) Grocers cut prices to try to increase demand
3) Families starve
4) Declare victory over inflation in December when the November CPI rolls out at -2%
1) Reduce consumer demand by limiting SNAP payments
2) Grocers cut prices to try to increase demand
3) Families starve
4) Declare victory over inflation in December when the November CPI rolls out at -2%
November 6, 2025 at 12:50 AM
One reason Trump isn't funding SNAP is that this is how he cooks the books on inflation.
1) Reduce consumer demand by limiting SNAP payments
2) Grocers cut prices to try to increase demand
3) Families starve
4) Declare victory over inflation in December when the November CPI rolls out at -2%
1) Reduce consumer demand by limiting SNAP payments
2) Grocers cut prices to try to increase demand
3) Families starve
4) Declare victory over inflation in December when the November CPI rolls out at -2%
Reposted by David Folcarelli
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
November 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
Reposted by David Folcarelli
NEW: Federal food aid has lapsed for the first time in the program’s history.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
Nearly 42 million Americans lose their food stamp benefits
The lapse in benefits could be temporary if the Trump administration complies with a recent court order requiring them to use emergency money to fund SNAP.
www.politico.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:14 PM
NEW: Federal food aid has lapsed for the first time in the program’s history.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
#RhodeIsland's Lt. Gov @sabinamatos.bsky.social & the Rhode Island Community Food Bank will be hosting a virtual information session on Thursday October 30th at 7pm.
The event will be in both English and in Spanish and will be broadcast here: www.facebook.com/share/1CXsu3...
The event will be in both English and in Spanish and will be broadcast here: www.facebook.com/share/1CXsu3...
October 29, 2025 at 1:59 PM
#RhodeIsland's Lt. Gov @sabinamatos.bsky.social & the Rhode Island Community Food Bank will be hosting a virtual information session on Thursday October 30th at 7pm.
The event will be in both English and in Spanish and will be broadcast here: www.facebook.com/share/1CXsu3...
The event will be in both English and in Spanish and will be broadcast here: www.facebook.com/share/1CXsu3...
Reposted by David Folcarelli
Mega retailers use their market power to extract illegal pricing, access, and promotions from suppliers, allowing them to undercut small and medium competitors on retail prices. Join us to see how local businesses can stand up to big corporate power.
localreturn.org/event/virtua...
localreturn.org/event/virtua...
October 8, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Mega retailers use their market power to extract illegal pricing, access, and promotions from suppliers, allowing them to undercut small and medium competitors on retail prices. Join us to see how local businesses can stand up to big corporate power.
localreturn.org/event/virtua...
localreturn.org/event/virtua...
damn that's crazy. I wonder if any local politicians have a well-researched plan to address this
According to the Consumer Price Index, groceries are now 2.7% higher than a year ago, and up nearly 30% from before the pandemic.
Grocery prices are rising as beef, coffee hit record highs
Grocery prices rose 0.6% from July to August, the biggest monthly increase in roughly three years.
www.wpri.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
damn that's crazy. I wonder if any local politicians have a well-researched plan to address this
*desperately trying to capitalize on the town seconds we're going to be talking about antitrust* Okay so imagine that Nexstar was Stop and Shop, Sinclair was Walmart, and Jimmy Kimmel was being able to buy fresh groceries in Woonsocket
September 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
*desperately trying to capitalize on the town seconds we're going to be talking about antitrust* Okay so imagine that Nexstar was Stop and Shop, Sinclair was Walmart, and Jimmy Kimmel was being able to buy fresh groceries in Woonsocket
Reposted by David Folcarelli
Becoming increasingly clear we’re gonna have to build a parallel infrastructure for all the media we really love. The reason all of this is happening under the color of law is hyperconsolidation, dissent being traded straight up for merger approval, or fear of harassment.
September 18, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Becoming increasingly clear we’re gonna have to build a parallel infrastructure for all the media we really love. The reason all of this is happening under the color of law is hyperconsolidation, dissent being traded straight up for merger approval, or fear of harassment.
Today's URI poll asked respondents what media source they would get politics and elections news from. WPRI takes it locally and ties with Fox News for highest overall at 13%. WPRO and ProJo are both decimals, Globe at 1%.
September 15, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Today's URI poll asked respondents what media source they would get politics and elections news from. WPRI takes it locally and ties with Fox News for highest overall at 13%. WPRO and ProJo are both decimals, Globe at 1%.
Has anyone considered that it would be much, much funnier if this were all the leadup to a wrestling promo?
Hi Neighbors! You tell me, what’s your dream for Providence? ✨
September 13, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Has anyone considered that it would be much, much funnier if this were all the leadup to a wrestling promo?
Reposted by David Folcarelli
This is Auchincloss erasure
Only one Kennedy is in a position of power — and his family can only watch helplessly as he destroys much that they stood for.
Read our latest cover story by @reeveswiedeman.bsky.social about the Kennedy family’s rift over RFK Jr. and Trump: nymag.com/intelligence...
Read our latest cover story by @reeveswiedeman.bsky.social about the Kennedy family’s rift over RFK Jr. and Trump: nymag.com/intelligence...
August 26, 2025 at 12:57 PM
This is Auchincloss erasure
Losing my gd mind about this bit from the Capri Sun Wikipedia about Philip Morris pivoting to juice boxes because they got banned from selling cigarettes to children and needed something to get them through to vapes.
August 15, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Losing my gd mind about this bit from the Capri Sun Wikipedia about Philip Morris pivoting to juice boxes because they got banned from selling cigarettes to children and needed something to get them through to vapes.
This is a blow to our neighborhood. Councilwoman Anthony has been deeply engaged with the Wayland Neighborhood Association since we rebooted it, and I relied on her advice to draft legislation at the state to take on big grocery. I really admire her and I hope she recovers swiftly.
NEW: Ward 2 City Councilwoman, Finance Chair Helen Anthony shares she is stepping down from her role effective Sep. 1 to “more fully focus” on her health. The councilwoman is still healing from injuries sustained in an accident in June 2023.
@wpri12.bsky.social
@wpri12.bsky.social
August 1, 2025 at 2:27 PM
This is a blow to our neighborhood. Councilwoman Anthony has been deeply engaged with the Wayland Neighborhood Association since we rebooted it, and I relied on her advice to draft legislation at the state to take on big grocery. I really admire her and I hope she recovers swiftly.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
This is why we supported S991/H5552 which would've allowed for local enforcement of Robinson-Patman Act violations and H5902/S970 to prohibit the use of restrictive covenants related to grocery stores, introduced with backing of @sabinamatos.bsky.social.
🎧 MUST LISTEN: Woonsocket leads off this @99pi.org episode on food deserts and supermarket monopolization.
Food Deserts - 99% Invisible
Woonsocket, Rhode Island was once home to many locally owned and regional grocers. There were small stores such as Fernandes Produce and Big D’s. The city also had supermarkets from classic New Englan...
99percentinvisible.org
July 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
This is why we supported S991/H5552 which would've allowed for local enforcement of Robinson-Patman Act violations and H5902/S970 to prohibit the use of restrictive covenants related to grocery stores, introduced with backing of @sabinamatos.bsky.social.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
NEW: USDA employees who run the nation's largest nutrition programs are working in roach-infested conditions and air quality so bad that they’ve been forced to leave the office.
The problems have also prompted an OSHA complaint.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
The problems have also prompted an OSHA complaint.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: ‘Difficult, demoralizing and draining’: USDA nutrition staff complain about working conditions in Virginia facility
Despite emergency office shutdowns over poor air quality and insect infestations, many federal employees have had to use paid time off instead of teleworking.
subscriber.politicopro.com
July 23, 2025 at 2:39 PM
NEW: USDA employees who run the nation's largest nutrition programs are working in roach-infested conditions and air quality so bad that they’ve been forced to leave the office.
The problems have also prompted an OSHA complaint.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
The problems have also prompted an OSHA complaint.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
• Cutting grants and technical support to rural farms
• Bizarre tariffs on key agricultural suppliers like Brazil
• Slashing SNAP benefits for years to come
They want you to go hungry.
• Bizarre tariffs on key agricultural suppliers like Brazil
• Slashing SNAP benefits for years to come
They want you to go hungry.
NEW FROM ME:
USDA is terminating business development centers that served rural farm and food businesses, providing workforce development and technical training.
USDA provided the 12 Rural Food Business Centers with hundreds of millions in funding but payments have been on ice since January.
USDA is terminating business development centers that served rural farm and food businesses, providing workforce development and technical training.
USDA provided the 12 Rural Food Business Centers with hundreds of millions in funding but payments have been on ice since January.
POLITICO Pro: USDA axes most funding for rural business centers that help farms
The money for 12 Regional Food Business Centers, which serve thousands of businesses, has been frozen since January.
subscriber.politicopro.com
July 15, 2025 at 11:35 PM
• Cutting grants and technical support to rural farms
• Bizarre tariffs on key agricultural suppliers like Brazil
• Slashing SNAP benefits for years to come
They want you to go hungry.
• Bizarre tariffs on key agricultural suppliers like Brazil
• Slashing SNAP benefits for years to come
They want you to go hungry.
"...At the same time, lawmakers in Rhode Island have proposed a package of antitrust laws specifically targeting the grocery industry, including a local version of the Robinson-Patman Act."
July 9, 2025 at 4:38 PM
"...At the same time, lawmakers in Rhode Island have proposed a package of antitrust laws specifically targeting the grocery industry, including a local version of the Robinson-Patman Act."
Something frequently on my mind these days is the long-term effects of the RIGOP embracing ChatGPT to do their communications.
Adopting the ChatGPT voice is a significant step towards both standardizing and normalizing their messaging, which addresses some of their biggest weaknesses.
Adopting the ChatGPT voice is a significant step towards both standardizing and normalizing their messaging, which addresses some of their biggest weaknesses.
Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R) says her 1776 fundraising campaign raised over $17K.
The campaign came after the assault weapons ban was passed by the General Assembly. She says it will also go toward electing Republicans.
The campaign came after the assault weapons ban was passed by the General Assembly. She says it will also go toward electing Republicans.
July 6, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Something frequently on my mind these days is the long-term effects of the RIGOP embracing ChatGPT to do their communications.
Adopting the ChatGPT voice is a significant step towards both standardizing and normalizing their messaging, which addresses some of their biggest weaknesses.
Adopting the ChatGPT voice is a significant step towards both standardizing and normalizing their messaging, which addresses some of their biggest weaknesses.
Reposted by David Folcarelli
Shoppers have fewer options for groceries after waves of supermarket mergers, and, writes Ron Knox, they get nickled and dimed at the stores that remain. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
As Federal Chaos Ensues, Trustbusters Rise in the States
With Trump’s antitrust appointees more concerned with scoring points in MAGA culture wars than restraining corporate abuses, officials in the states are keeping up the fight.
www.thenation.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Shoppers have fewer options for groceries after waves of supermarket mergers, and, writes Ron Knox, they get nickled and dimed at the stores that remain. www.thenation.com/article/soci...