Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program
Earn FREE, local produce when you
use your SNAP card at participating markets!
What is the healthy incentives program?
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is a year-round benefit managed by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) that helps Massachusetts residents who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase more local, fresh fruits and vegetables at no extra cost.
Each month, the HIP benefit provides a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement to SNAP users when they buy fresh food directly from Massachusetts farmers and farmers markets.
Effective September 1, 2025, the DTA is has restored the monthly HIP reimbursement to the previous levels.
$40 = 1-2 people
$60 = 3-5 people
$80 = 6+ people
take action to support hip today!
Take Action: Tell the Governor Why HIP Matters!
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) helps families access fresh, local food while supporting Massachusetts farmers — and your voice makes a difference.
Call the Office of Governor Maura Healey at (617) 725-4005 to share how HIP has positively impacted you, your farm, or your community — especially since the recent funding cuts were reversed.
Your story helps ensure HIP remains strong as the state begins planning for the FY27 budget. Let’s keep this vital program growing!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I sign up for HIP?
All SNAP recipients are automatically enrolled in the HIP program.
What is the total amount of HIP Incentive I can earn monthly?
Effective September 1, 2025. $40 for 1-2 people, $60 for 3-5 people, and $80 for 6+ people.
Do HIP dollars carry over month to month?
Remaining balances DO NOT carry over to the next month, so be sure to plan your visit to participating markets like the REC Mobile Market each month to earn the maximum benefit!! HIP renews on the 1st of the month regardless of when your SNAP dollars are reloaded.
How do I find my HIP balance?
Call 1(800) 997-2555 to find out how much HIP you have used. You must have a SNAP balance of at least one cent ($0.01) to use HIP.
What if I have a low SNAP balance?
A positive SNAP balance - even as little as one cent ($0.01) - allows you to use your HIP benefits. HIP purchases can now be completed in a single transaction with just one swipe. Thanks to a system update, you no longer need to swipe your EBT card multiple times for a HIP purchase.
What if I have zero balance?
You are not able to earn HIP for the month if you have a $0 balance. You must have at least a one cent ($0.01) balance on your card.
Can someone else use my card for me?
Yes. Households can give permission to friends, family, or other trusted people to use their EBT card on their behalf, with no need for formal documentation or written paperwork. Please provide your pin to the person using your card in order to complete the transaction at the time of pick up.
Will you take money from my regular SNAP balance?
As long as you have HIP available, your purchase will not reduce your SNAP balance. If you run out of HIP, you may still use your SNAP balance to purchase produce.
Do you take cash benefits?
Yes, REC Farmers Market accept cash benefits, however, HIP doesn't apply to purchases made with cash benefits, so you will not have any money reimbursed.
What food is eligible for HIP?
Any variety of fruits and vegetables sold by HIP vendors are eligible for HIP, as long as they do not contain added salt, sugar, fat, or oil. Eligible products include fresh, canned, dried, or frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as fruits and vegetables in seed or seedling form.
For more information, visit the Mass.gov website