Rhode Island Considers Replacing Mr. Potato Head License Plates

The iconic potato-themed plates may be retired as Hasbro moves headquarters out of the state.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:07pm

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With Hasbro, the company behind Mr. Potato Head, planning to move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Boston by the end of 2026, state lawmakers are now reconsidering the Mr. Potato Head license plates that have been offered for over two decades. The plates have benefited the Rhode Island Food Bank, but some feel they should be replaced now that Hasbro is leaving the state. Residents have suggested various replacement ideas, from classic Rhode Island symbols to more creative options, though not all would directly benefit the food bank.

Why it matters

The Mr. Potato Head license plates have been a long-standing symbol of Rhode Island and a source of funding for the state's food bank. With Hasbro's departure, there are concerns about the future of this program and how it may impact the food bank's resources.

The details

For over 20 years, Rhode Island has offered a specialty license plate featuring the iconic Mr. Potato Head character, with proceeds going to benefit the Rhode Island Food Bank. However, with Hasbro announcing plans to move its headquarters from Pawtucket to Boston by the end of 2026, some state lawmakers feel the plates should be retired as well. While Rhode Island already has other specialty plates, none of them currently benefit the food bank. Residents have suggested a variety of potential replacement ideas on social media, ranging from classic Rhode Island symbols to more creative options, though not all would necessarily align with supporting the food bank.

  • Hasbro plans to move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Boston by the end of 2026.
  • The Mr. Potato Head license plates have been offered in Rhode Island for over 20 years.

The players

Hasbro

The toy company that created Mr. Potato Head and is planning to move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Boston by the end of 2026.

Rhode Island Food Bank

The charitable organization that has benefited from the proceeds of the Mr. Potato Head license plates in Rhode Island for over two decades.

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What they’re saying

“Next time you spot a Rhode Island license plate with Mr. Potato Head in the corner, you might want to take a second look. The celebrity spud might not be a symbol of the Ocean State for much longer.”

— Nancy Hall, Author

What’s next

State lawmakers will need to decide whether to continue the Mr. Potato Head license plate program or replace it with a new design, and how any changes may impact funding for the Rhode Island Food Bank.

The takeaway

The potential retirement of the Mr. Potato Head license plates in Rhode Island highlights the impact that a major company's relocation can have on long-standing state symbols and charitable initiatives. As Hasbro departs, Rhode Island must consider how to preserve support for the food bank while potentially updating its license plate offerings.