Help with applying to the 2022 HIP Notice of Opportunity

Information and frequently asked questions on the 2022 Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Notice of Opportunity to enroll new HIP farm vendors. This information may be updated frequently. Please check back regularly for updates.

Available Resources

This page contains available resources to assist you during the application process.

This includes an informational video, a link to the 2022 HIP NOO application, as well as a copy of the application questions in PDF form, and an option to apply over the phone. Keep scrolling to read more!

Translation and interpretation requests

The HIP Notice of Opportunity application form is available in multiple languages via automatic translation. If you need live interpretation of the HIP Notice of Opportunity info session, please describe the request in the Zoom registration form or contact [e-mail].

How to submit a question

If you have questions about the HIP Notice of Opportunity application, please email [e-mail]. Questions will not be answered directly via email. Questions and answers will be posted publicly in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my application was submitted correctly?
   1. If your application is submitted correctly, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of the form. If you have not received a confirmation email, please resubmit the application.
2. Can I view a copy of the application questions in PDF form?
   1. Yes. Click here to view a copy of the 2022 HIP Notice of Opportunity Application Questions.
3. Where can I find the COMMBUYS posting?
   1. Click the HIP Notice of Opportunity 2022 to view the COMMBUYS posting.
4. Where can I find more information?
   1. Click here to review the Healthy Incentives Program Notice of Opportunity Criteria page for more details.
5. When does the application close?
   1. The application closed June 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
6. Will vendors be selected on a rolling basis?
   1. No, vendor selection will be announced after the application period closes and all applications are reviewed.
7. Will I be notified if my business is selected?
   1. Yes, vendors will be notified of selection or non-selection via email, following the review process.
8. Which vendors are eligible to apply for this opportunity?
   1. Eligible vendors include businesses selling fruits and vegetables and authorized by USDA in one of the following categories:
      1. Direct-marketing farms
      2. Farmers’ markets
      3. Delivery routes (mobile farmers’ markets)
      4. Nonprofit buying cooperatives
      5. Fruit/vegetable specialty vendors
9. Is this opportunity open to new HIP vendors and for existing HIP vendors to add new terminals?
   1. Yes. Both new and existing HIP vendors can apply.
10. Do I have to be authorized for SNAP already to apply?
    1. No, but you will need to become authorized by USDA in a HIP-eligible category within at least 90 days of selection in order to keep your place.
11. Can I apply even if I do not sell in the Priority Communities listed?
    1. Yes. All eligible vendors are welcome to apply.
12. Can I apply even if I do not have particular outreach or distribution methods focusing on the Priority Populations listed?
    1. Yes. All eligible vendors are welcome to apply.
13.  How many vendors will be selected?
    1. There is not a set number of vendors who will be selected. The state will select the vendors who are the best fit for the program at this time.
14. What if I do not know my fruit and vegetable sales amount from the prior year?
    1. Please provide your best estimate.
15. Are there any alternatives to applying online? 
    1. Yes. You can schedule a time to provide your answers over the phone here. A staff member will ask you the questions on the application form, and your answers will be transcribed as close to verbatim as possible. (Please note, however, that the staff member taking your answers will not be a professional stenographer.) 
16. Why are you accepting phone applications?
    1. The phone application process may be more accessible for some applicants.
17. Will applications that are submitted via phone be scored differently than those submitted online?
    1. No. All applications will be scored on content only. Grammar, sentence construction, etc. will not affect evaluation.
18. Will submitting my application over the phone/speaking to a staff member increase my chances of being selected?
    1. No. All applications will be scored on content only.
19. If I have already submitted an application and want to change my answers, what are my options?
    1. You may resubmit your application until close of the application period. If we receive multiple applications from the same vendor, we will only evaluate the most recently submitted application.
20. How do I find out what my SNAP retailer category is?
    1. Please call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.
21. Can you tell me if my application is likely to be approved?
    1. No. We encourage all eligible farm vendors to apply for consideration, according to the criteria available.
22. I use a SNAP equipment provider that is not capable of processing HIP. Can I still apply to this opportunity?
    1. Yes, you can still apply. If selected, you will need to acquire equipment capable of processing HIP. Please see www.mass.gov/snapequipmentgrant for information on the SNAP Equipment Grant currently open, as well as https://www.mass.gov/service-details/equipment-options-for-processing-snap-and-the-healthy-incentives-program-hip for information on other options for equipment and funding.

Apply for a Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Access Point