Legislators pass tax exemption to boost Meals on Wheels

During a recent town council meeting, State Representative Maureen Mooney provided an update on House Bill 1191, which aims to enhance the efficiency of the Meals on Wheels program in Hillsborough County. The bill, signed into law on July 12, 2024, establishes an exemption from the meals and rooms tax for meals provided under the restaurant voucher program, significantly benefiting local services.

Representative Mooney highlighted that the legislation, primarily sponsored by Representative Bob Healy, received strong bipartisan support, passing through both the House and Senate with voice votes. The new law is expected to streamline operations for Meals on Wheels by eliminating the need to tax meals before reimbursement, ultimately saving the program approximately $36,000 annually. This reduction translates to a dollar decrease in the cost of each meal, which is crucial for the program's sustainability.

John Enriquezzo, president of Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, emphasized the local impact of the bill, noting that it not only supports the meal service but also benefits local restaurants, such as the Village Eatery in Merrimack, which participates in the voucher program. He expressed gratitude for the legislative support from the Merrimack delegation, which played a pivotal role in advancing the bill.

Zach Peon, the director of development for Meals on Wheels, shared personal experiences from his first day driving a route in Merrimack, underscoring the importance of the program in addressing community needs. The discussions at the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between local government and community organizations to improve services for residents, particularly the elderly and those in need.