NORTH SMITHFIELD – The state could soon stop issuing a vanity plate recognizing a product made by Hasbro in light of the toymaker’s plan to relocate operations to Boston.
Rep. Brian Newberry, a Republican representing District 48 in North Smithfield and Burrillville, introduced legislation on Wednesday, Jan. 14 that would end distribution of a special license plate featuring Mr. Potato Head.
The plates, created in 2002 in honor of the toy’s 50th anniversary, cost $40 and also serve to raise funds for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. An image of the well-known animated spud with the words “Help End Hunger” have been issued upon request in the decades since, with funds split evenly between the food bank and Division of Motor Vehicle to cover costs for manufacturing and distribution. RICFB has raised $50,000 from plate sales through the years according to reports citing the organization’s website.
“He’s an icon. He’s a legend. He’s a potato! And when your vehicle sports a Potato Head license plate, everyone will know you care about the issue of hunger in Rhode Island,” notes the RICFB website.
Longtime Pawtucket business Hasbro announced plans to leave Rhode Island last year. The business is currently still operating in Rhode Island with plans to relocate by the end of 2026.
According to H 7085, co-sponsored by Rep. Thomas Noret, a Democrat from Coventry, those who have already purchased the specialty plates would be able to keep them as long as their vehicle remains registered. However, “The ‘Mr. Potato Head- 50th anniversary’ plates shall not be transferred or registered to any other or subsequent vehicle of the registered owner or the registered owner’s family or relatives.”
The plates, which can be ordered via a form found here, remain available for the time being.
The bill has been referred to House Special Legislation.
Just because Hasbro left RI does not diminish the importance they had here. And still lend a helping hand to. And they get no monies, it’s split between DMV and the Food Bank. So why the concern to end it? Like coffee syrup, Dels Lemonade, Rocky Point chowder and clam cakes, Big Blue Bug, all are RI staples, past and present. Because we choose to remember their value to our upbringing one way or another. The fun. Leave it be, it still serves a valuable purpose. Where are his priorities! SMH. They did not betray RI by leaving, is this meant as punishment? Wipe their plate out?
So regardless of the fact Hasbro moved to Mass, they have left their mark. Cherish it. It’s history. Valuable still. Let it carry on the good for which it was and is, intended.
This legislation is much ado about nothing. Hopefully his bill will be held for further study and die in committee.
Now that’s important in 2026
Sadly, libs have invaded North Smithfield
If I didn’t have a shark plate this would make me want to get Mr Potato Head.
This is petty and stupid, and only going to hurt hungry people who need help. Not a surprise coming from Newberry.
Oh, dear god this is what Representative Newberry is co-sponsoring. Give me a break…so Hasbro is leaving and where was he in the fight to keep them here? We never heard anything about that, did we? At least the distribution of these plates helps to partially fund the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. When people in RI are suffering from affordability issues such as increased insurance premiums, housing affordability and the cost of food, Mr. Newberry should re-think his priorities. It’s time Northern Rhode Island elects a representative that cares about the issues that concern his voters.