The Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is facing severe cuts, with benefits reduced by 50 to 75 percent starting in December. Every SNAP household would be limited to only $20 in monthly HIP benefits unless we can stop this decision. This will deeply impact over 175,000 households, local farmers, and jobs within our food system.
Massachusetts residents with SNAP can use HIP benefits to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmer’s markets, farm stands and CSA farm share programs. Locally, many people buy from Growing Places in Leominster.
Since 2017, HIP has helped more than 175,000 households and 263,000 individuals, according to the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative. Statewide, more than 290 farms now sell food through the program.
Currently, individuals and families may receive $40, $60 or $80 in monthly HIP benefits based on their household size. Without your advocacy, the state plans to reduce HIP to $20 monthly for all households, regardless of size.
How to Help Advocate for HIP:
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES!
Please reach out to Governor Maura Healey and your state legislators to express the need for full HIP funding. Here are some steps:
Call Governor Maura Healey: (617) 725-4005
Email the Governor’s Office at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office
Find Your Legislator at https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
Here is a suggested template for your email (but make it your own!)
Email subject: Make the MA Healthy Incentive program whole!
My name is _____________________ and I am a resident of _____________________. I am contacting you to ask that you take immediate action to fully fund the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) budget to 25 million dollars for FY 2025 to ensure that MA SNAP users can maintain access to the food they need. Each year, the number of people relying on HIP to access fresh fruits and vegetables has increased. This program is vital to the health and well-being of our lowest-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. If the legislature fails to fund HIP, over 175,000 households will loose 50%-75% of their monthly HIP benefit starting in this December. On an economic level, this will obliterate income for local farmers who rely on the HIP program to support their livelihoods, and eliminate jobs within the mid-tier of the local food system including jobs for youth. We need your advocacy and support NOW to fully fund HIP this December and beyond.
Your constituent, [your name]
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