What is HIP?
HIP puts money back on your EBT card* when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits, and vegetables from HIP farm vendors.
*up to a monthly cap of $40, $60, or $80
How do I sign up for HIP?
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.
Learn more about SNAP benefits at https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps.
What do I need to know before I use HIP?
Make sure you have SNAP benefits left on your EBT card. If your SNAP balance is zero, you will not be able to use HIP until you have SNAP benefits available again. HIP will put the SNAP dollars you spend on HIP produce back onto your EBT card instantly. Once the money has been put back on your EBT card, you can spend it at any SNAP retailer like always. Only certain vendors process HIP. Each type of vendor may process HIP a little differently.
See How to Use HIP at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-to-use-the-massachusetts-healthy-incentives-program-hip for more details on using HIP, including step-by-step instructions for using HIP at every type of vendor.
What kind of vendors process HIP?
You can earn HIP incentives at participating:
- Farmers’ markets (where some or all vendors may participate in HIP)
- Farm stands
- Mobile markets
- Community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share programs
- Traditional grocery stores or convenience stores do not participate in HIP.
How do I find a HIP vendor near me?
Visit DTAFinder.com to search for HIP vendors near you. You can search by month, day of week open, or “open today”. You can also search by city, county or device geolocation (“my location”). You will be able to see what order options vendors have, including availability of curbside pickup and delivery.
For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-healthy-incentives-program-hip