Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County Unveils New Headquarters

Amidst a spirit of community and collaboration, Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County celebrated a significant milestone with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new headquarters located at 46 Milford Street in Manchester. The site, formerly the Blake's Restaurant and Creamery, now stands as a beacon of hope and support for the region's seniors and homebound adults. Supported by the Greater Manchester Chamber, the event was attended by a host of dedicated volunteers, partners, and esteemed guests including Mayor Jay Ruais, Congressman Chris Pappas, and County Commissioner Toni Pappas.

Zach Paone, Director of Development at Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, encapsulated the agency's commitment to its mission stating, "Though this agency has served meals on wheels since the 1970s, our move to the Queen City represents an exciting new chapter that will dramatically improve our capacity to serve at a critical time for the seniors and homebound adults who rely on us." Last year alone, over 380,000 meals were provided to more than 4,100 individuals in Hillsborough County, with a significant portion benefiting Manchester residents and fostering essential social connections.

Jon Eriquezzo, President of Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, expressed profound gratitude to the supporters, volunteers, staff, and stakeholders who have played integral roles in the agency's success. "I'm thankful to so many loyal supporters who came today," Eriquezzo stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that enable Meals on Wheels to fulfill its mission of nourishing and empowering the community.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by rising food costs, Eriquezzo highlighted the agency's proactive approach to sustainability and efficiency. "We looked at our food costs, they had risen almost 70% since before the pandemic. And we projected that if we didn't do something big, we wouldn't be in business anymore," he shared. The relocation to the new headquarters was a strategic decision aimed at optimizing resources, enhancing storage capacity, and consolidating operations for greater effectiveness.

Mayor Jay Ruais echoed sentiments of admiration for Meals on Wheels' impactful work, affirming the profound difference the organization makes in the lives of individuals on a daily basis. "I spent an afternoon with Meals on Wheels and thinking about what we want to leave behind for our community, for the people that we serve- It's not every profession that you get to say that you make a difference in a human being's life every single day. And it is no stretch to say that that's exactly what you all do here. And to have this in the city of Manchester is a privilege," Mayor Ruais remarked, acknowledging the privilege of having such a vital resource in the heart of Manchester.