Rhode Island Lawmakers Question Mr. Potato Head License Plates Following Hasbro's Departure
For decades, Rhode Island drivers have had the unique option to display the iconic image of Mr. Potato Head on their specialty license plates. However, this longstanding tradition is now under scrutiny as state legislators debate whether it should continue in light of Hasbro's decision to relocate its corporate headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston, Massachusetts.
Proposal to End the Specialty Plate Program
Earlier this month, two Rhode Island lawmakers introduced legislation that would direct the state's Division of Motor Vehicles to cease offering the Mr. Potato Head design as a specialty plate option. Currently, these plates cost approximately $40 each, with half of that amount—around $20 per plate—being directed to support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Since the program's inception, this funding mechanism has contributed nearly $60,000 to hunger relief efforts across the state.
Republican Representative Brian Newberry from North Smithfield, who filed the bill, expressed strong opposition to continuing the promotion. In an email statement, Newberry argued that Hasbro's move will result in "untold economic harm and loss of tax revenue" for Rhode Island. He emphasized that the state should not advertise the company's products on official license plates, calling it a matter of "self-respect" despite acknowledging that the issue might seem minor compared to other legislative concerns.
Historical Significance and Community Impact
The Mr. Potato Head license plate was first issued in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beloved toy, which gained further popularity through its appearances in the "Toy Story" film series. The plate features a small illustration of Mr. Potato Head holding a sign for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, with the phrase "help end hunger" printed at the bottom.
Kate MacDonald, a spokesperson for the food bank, noted that the license plate program began during a period when Mr. Potato Head was prominently celebrated throughout Rhode Island. "The license plate started at a time when Mr. Potato Head was all over the state and was having a moment," MacDonald explained. "And while it has tapered off over the years, it's been a steady way for people to contribute."
Community Concerns Over Funding Loss
The potential discontinuation of the Mr. Potato Head plates has raised concerns among local advocates who worry about the impact on food assistance programs. Lew Pryeor, a volunteer who helps collect and distribute food donations to hungry residents in Rhode Island, voiced his disappointment upon learning about Newberry's bill.
"My concern is, any cuts into the food programs is gonna affect some people," said Pryeor, who lives just north of Providence and regularly encounters individuals from diverse backgrounds struggling to secure warm meals. He added, "For him to say that he doesn't like the plates, well, that's your prerogative. Don't buy them. If it's making money for the state, let it."
Hasbro's Legacy and the Toy's Evolution
Mr. Potato Head has been a cultural fixture since the 1950s, originally sold as a set of plastic facial features that children would poke into real potatoes. Notably, it was the first toy ever advertised on television in 1952. The product line expanded over the years to include Mrs. Potato Head in 1953, along with other characters like brother Spud and sister Yam, as documented by the National Museum of Play.
Hasbro later introduced a plastic potato body for the toy in response to government safety regulations that restricted pointed edges and complaints about children playing with decaying vegetables. The company announced last year that it would complete its move to Boston by the end of 2026, ending nearly 70 years of operation in Pawtucket. An email seeking comment from Hasbro regarding the license plate controversy was sent but had not been returned at the time of reporting.
As Rhode Island grapples with the economic implications of Hasbro's departure, the debate over the Mr. Potato Head license plates highlights the intersection of corporate identity, state pride, and community support. The outcome of this legislative proposal will determine whether this quirky piece of state history continues to benefit local hunger relief efforts or becomes a relic of Rhode Island's past.
