HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – In Mississippi, food pantries don’t have to pay sales tax on non-perishable foods. But they face a different situation with perishable items. The tax on these perishables can really add up, costing thousands of dollars each year.
Ann McCullen, who runs the Edwards Street Fellowship Center, points out that while the total might not seem huge compared to food budgets overall, it still represents a significant amount. “That money could buy a lot of peanut butter, rice and beans, or tuna,” she said.
To tackle this issue, Mississippi state Representative Missy McGee introduced House Bill 248. “I was really happy to support a change in the law,” she said. This new bill aims to remove the “non-perishable” label, allowing all food bought by designated food pantries to be tax-exempt.
McCullen noted that Mississippi is often listed among the most food-insecure states. She believes that eliminating this tax would greatly benefit hundreds of feeding programs across the region. “Whether it’s a food pantry, soup kitchen, or food bank, any savings can go toward buying more food,” she explained. More food means a healthier Mississippi.
McGee emphasized the importance of these changes. “We want our food pantries to provide the healthiest, most nutritious options, which are often perishables,” she said. “Even though it may not seem like a lot of money, every penny counts. This allows them to stretch their budgets further and help more families in need.”
House Bill 248 has already passed the state House of Representatives and is currently with the Senate Finance Committee, with hopes that it will become law soon.
Check out this related article: How New York’s Most Vulnerable Families Are Battling to Afford Basic Needs: The Food and Housing Crisis
Source linkbill,House,Senate,perishable food,taxes,exempt,food pantries,food kitchens,centers
