Healthy Incentives Program Reaches $100 Million Milestone
GRANBY — On July 16, the Healey-Driscoll administration celebrated a major milestone for Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which has helped families purchase more than $100 million in fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables since its launch in 2017.
At an event at Red Fire Farm in Granby, state leaders also announced that applications will soon reopen for new HIP farm vendors for the first time since 2022, expanding access to healthy food while creating new opportunities for Massachusetts farmers. Since launching in 2017, HIP has grown to more than 500 participating farm locations across Massachusetts.
HIP is the nation’s first and largest nutrition incentive program fully integrated into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). When SNAP recipients purchase eligible fruits and vegetables directly from participating Massachusetts farms, farmstands, farmers’ markets, mobile markets, or community-supported agriculture programs, they automatically receive money back on their EBT card, helping families stretch their food budgets while supporting local agriculture. Depending on household size, participants can receive up to $40, $60, or $80 each month in HIP incentives.
Today, more than 500 farms and markets participate in HIP across Massachusetts. Reopening vendor applications will allow even more farms and food access organizations to join the program, increasing access in underserved communities while strengthening local food systems.
“No one should have to choose between putting healthy food on the table and paying for other essentials,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “The Healthy Incentives Program helps families stretch their grocery budgets while supporting the Massachusetts farmers who grow our food. Reaching this $100 million milestone shows just how much this program has meant to communities across our state, and by expanding it to more farms, we’re making it easier for even more families to access fresh, local produce.”
