More Funding and More Vendors for HIP

Katelyn Parsons

Below is language that we can use

HIP Expansion Opens up Opportunities for Farms

As part of the response to COVID 19, the Commonwealth is both increasing the amount of funding for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) as well as allowing more farmers to participate. HIP is a nutrition program that allows SNAP recipients to receive an extra dollar of support for every dollar they spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. See https://www.mass.gov/service-details/healthy-incentives-program-hip-for-clients

Vendors need to be approved by the State and approvals have in the past been frozen due to limited availability of funds. With food access concerns the state is looking to expand access to HIP. In order to become a HIP vendor, you must:

1. Become a SNAP vendor.  Go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept for more information;
2. Apply to be a HIP vendor. Go to https://www.mass.gov/healthy-incentives-program-hip-notice-of-opportunity-noo

Note that acceptance is not automatic nor guaranteed. The state is looking for vendors which are particularly effective in getting fresh produce  to people and families in need and/or bringing fresh produce to areas where there is a need.