Hope & Main’s charitable food program formerly known as “Nourish Our Neighbors” is getting a fresh name, and ideally an introduction to a whole host of new supporters, as the nonprofit food incubator will begin selling the locally made meals at their weekly summer outdoor markets beginning on June 12.

“We are looking forward to a new season and new vibe this summer with the addition of Main Street Meals to the Market,” said Lisa Raiola, President and Founder of Hope & Main, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. “This program unites every aspect of our mission on a single plate, and we think people will be drawn to the Makers Market to support our talented fledgling food businesses and join the fight against Rhode Island’s high and persistent hunger problem.”

Main Street Meals, as it will now be called, remains the same program as before — where around 35 Hope & Main food businesses create meals that are donated out to the greater Rhode Island community and provide a 1:1 opportunity for people to purchase meals, which funds one meal going to those facing food insecurity. The meals are all prepared fresh and feature a variety of culinary varieties as unique as the makers who prepare them.

“Just because we’re not seeing lines at food banks like we did during Covid doesn’t mean the issue of hunger is over. It’s actually gotten worse since Covid due to inflation,” Raiola said. “One out of every three households in Rhode Island faces food insecurity, which is just an astonishing number…We wanted to keep that front of mind for people that it could be your neighbor struggling with food insecurity.”

Announced on World Hunger Day last week, Raiola said that those who attend Hope & Main’s outdoor food markets (which run each Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at 691 Main St. in Warren until Sept. 25) will have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of specially portioned hot and ready Main Street Meals for $10, and offerings will rotate weekly. Frozen options regularly offered will be on sale for $20 as usual, where $10 goes towards the preparation of a meal for someone facing food insecurity.

“We hope this is going to bring more people to the markets this year,” Raiola said, “Purchasing a Main Street Meal means that you’re supporting the program and supporting a small food business that made that meal. We’re trying to get people more aware of the program and why it’s important to support the food security system.”

The outdoor markets begin on Wednesday, June 12 from 4-7 p.m.