Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Healthy Incentives Program to New Farm Vendors for First Time Since 2022

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that Massachusetts is reopening applications for new farm vendors to participate in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) for the first time since 2022. The expansion will help more families access fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables while supporting Massachusetts farmers and strengthening local food systems. 

HIP helps families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits afford fresh, healthy food by putting money back on their EBT cards when they purchase eligible fruits and vegetables from participating farm vendors. Since launching in 2017, the program has grown to more than 500 locations across Massachusetts, providing important support to families and local farmers. This July, the program surpassed $100 million in healthy incentives for low-income households, which is also $100 million in direct sales to Massachusetts farmers 

“Every family in Massachusetts deserves access to fresh, healthy food, and we're committed to making that more affordable and accessible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Healthy Incentives Program is a win for families and our local farmers, helping people stretch their grocery budgets while supporting Massachusetts agriculture. At a time when federal cuts are putting additional pressure on families, we're expanding this program to reach more communities and make sure more people can get the food they need.” 

 “Our farmers play an important role in feeding our communities, and we want to make sure more families can benefit from the fresh, locally grown food they produce,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By bringing more farms and community organizations into HIP, we're creating new opportunities for local businesses while making healthy food more accessible for residents. This is a great example of how we can strengthen our local economies and support families at the same time.” 

“Every family in Massachusetts deserves access to fresh, healthy food, and every community benefits when we invest in the farmers who grow it,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “Through the Healthy Incentives Program, we are helping families stretch their food budgets, making locally grown fruits and vegetables more accessible, and strengthening our local agricultural economy. Expanding this program means more families can access nutritious food while providing Massachusetts farmers with another source of income.” 

“For people struggling to make ends meet, being able to bring home fresh fruits and vegetables can make a real difference, not just in diets, but in health and well-being,” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “HIP helps make that possible while supporting Massachusetts farmers, who play such a vital role in feeding our communities and strengthening our local economy. In Massachusetts, we believe that access to healthy food shouldn't depend on your income or where you live. Every individual and family deserves access and to feel welcome at their local farmers market. Expanding HIP is a reflection of that commitment to our residents, our farmers, and the communities that bring us together.” 

 “The HIP program has allowed hundreds of Massachusetts farms to better feed their communities, while generating the vital income needed to sustain their operations,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “By supporting local economies, stewarding thousands of acres of farmland, and protecting our natural resources, our farmers do so much more than grow food. Allowing new vendors to participate will success for even more farms, expanding their reach to deliver fresh, healthy, local produce to neighbors in areas where there is presently unmet demand.” 

"We are thrilled that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is opening up HIP to new farm vendors for the first time since 2022. Expanding HIP to serve more SNAP clients has been a top priority of our Campaign for HIP Funding for the last several years. HIP is a triple win program that supports healthy families, sustainable farms, and the Commonwealth's agricultural economy. Expanding HIP to more equitably serve communities across the state is a win for our farmers, and we look forward to working with the new vendors," said Rebecca Miller, Policy Director at the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative. 

“I am absolutely delighted that more organizations will have the opportunity to apply to participate in the Healthy Incentives Program,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “This program makes fresh, locally grown food more accessible and affordable for the constituents I represent, while supporting our region’s farmers and agricultural economy. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and my colleagues in the Legislature for their continued commitment to expanding HIP so that it reaches more people throughout the Commonwealth.” 

“The Healthy Incentives Program is a vital resource for both SNAP clients and local farmers in Massachusetts and expanding access to both has been a top priority of the Legislature's bi-partisan and bicameral Food System Caucus. Opening the program to new vendors will allow HIP to reach more food-insecure households, expanding access to fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farms across Massachusetts. I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership in fighting hunger and their continuing support for HIP,” said Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), co-chair of the Food System Caucus and member of the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force. 

The expansion responds to a recommendation from Governor Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force, which was established in July 2025 to identify strategies to address rising food insecurity across Massachusetts. It builds on the administration's broader efforts to protect food assistance, support local agriculture and make healthy food more affordable for families. 

The new application period will prioritize farms and organizations serving communities with limited access to HIP vendors, particularly low-income and historically underserved areas. Preference will also be given to vendors offering culturally relevant produce, innovative delivery models and services that meet the needs of their communities. Applications are open to farms, farm stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, mobile markets and nonprofit food access organizations. Applications will be accepted from November 10 through December 10, 2026. Selected vendors will be brought into the program in phases, expanding the number of locations where families can use HIP benefits. 

Interested applicants can find more information and application materials at Mass.gov/HIPNOO. 

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