State Announces Funding to Increase Healthy Incentives Program
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) will restore its tiered benefit structure effective Sept. 1, 2025, providing more support for larger households to access nutritious food while strengthening Massachusetts’ local agricultural economy. HIP helps low-income SNAP households get more fruits and vegetables at participating local farms by adding state funds to eligible EBT card purchases, up to a monthly limit.
Sept. 1 will usher in new HIP benefit caps. Households of one or two people will continue to receive $40 per month, households of three to five people will receive $60 per month, and households of six or more will receive $80 per month.
Earlier this year, funding constraints required a temporary reduction regardless of household size. The return to the tiered structure is possible following the passage of $7.5 million in funding passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey. More than half of HIP users are over 60 years old, one-third identify as having a disability, and one-quarter of participating households include children.
“Investing in nutrition is one of the smartest public health strategies we have. Programs like HIP that increase access to fresh, healthy foods lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for Massachusetts families,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah said. “HIP provides nutritious local produce that can be a key factor in improving social determinants of health. When we invest in nutrition programs that connect families with locally grown fruits and vegetables, we’re not just addressing hunger, we’re preventing chronic disease and promoting long-term wellness.”
HIP is a state-funded nutrition incentive program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Agricultural Resources. The program operates year-round to provide predictability for vendors, the majority of whom are small local farmers who plan their growing seasons based on anticipated program participation.