HIP puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors
If you receive SNAP/EBT you are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). You can use your HIP benefits at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, mobile farmers’ markets, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm share programs. Search for a participating vendor with the DTAFinder.com.
WHAT is HIP?
The Healthy Incentive Program, also known as HIP, is an incentive program in Massachusetts. Families and individuals on SNAP are eligible to buy fruits and vegetables from participating vendors. HIP puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors. There is no special sign-up for HIP. If you live in Massachusetts and get SNAP benefits, your household is automatically able to participate in HIP.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day can help keep you healthy. The Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) helps SNAP clients buy more fruits and vegetables for their household. For more on HIP and information in other languages please see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/healthy-incentives-program-outreach-materials
For healthy, easy recipes see https://masnaped.org/healthy-foods/find-a-recipe/
WHEN can I use HIP?
HIP benefits become available on the first of each month. Family monthly cap levels are based on household size; 1-2=$40, 3-5=$60, 6+=$80 in accessible HIP dollars. You must have SNAP dollars on your EBT card to access HIP. Even though your unused SNAP dollars carryover each month, any unused HIP dollars will end on the last day of the month.
For questions, please contact
Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or visit
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-healthy-incentives-program-hip
WHERE can I use HIP?
HIP can be used at participating sites across the state. Use DTA Finder at https://dtafinder.dtadash.ehs.mass.gov/ to search for the following participating vendors: Farmers’ Markets, Farm Stands, Mobile Markets, and CSA Farm Share Programs.
For mobile users https://youtu.be/I4LvbKcn92g
DTA Finder will help you locate the vendors who accept EBT and support HIP purchases. You can do a search by city, county or a site near you (“my location”). It will provide you with the site address, days open, hours, seasonal availability, curbside/delivery options and more.
When visiting a farmers’ market, make sure to visit those farmers that have a HIP logo at their table.
HOW to use HIP?
Purchase fruits and vegetables at a participating vendor and swipe your EBT card. It’s as easy as that! When visiting Farmers’ Markets, make sure to visit those farmers that have a HIP logo at their table. And, make sure you have SNAP dollars on your EBT card before making HIP purchases.
Guides for using HIP: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-to-use-the-massachusetts-healthy-incentives-program-hip
HIP Eligible Foods List: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-healthy-incentives-program-hip
For any other HIP information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-healthy-incentives-program-hip
