  Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) open to new farms and farmers’ markets Good news, farms and farmers’ markets! The state’s Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is accepting applications for new vendors. This is a rare opportunity, as only a handful of farms across the state are authorized in this program, and the program has only opened up one other time since it started in 2017. See information below, and if you have questions, you can reach out to the DTA at DTA.HIP@mass.gov or reach out to Zoey at CISA at zoey@buylocalfood.org. You can also send Zoey your application for review before submitting it, after the May 5th info session (details below).Why HIP?HIP is a program in which SNAP recipients get to purchase at least an additional $40 each month in fruits and vegetables from local farms. HIP can mean another profit stream for your business and can also enable you to provide affordable food to low-income people in your community more easily. What are the details on this opportunity?The application period is open April 21 to June 8, 2022.Both new HIP-eligible vendors and existing HIP vendors may apply.To apply and read more information, visit: www.mass.gov/hipnooTo submit questions about this HIP “Notice of Opportunity,” please email DTA.HIP@mass.gov. New vendors applying to become HIP-authorized vendors must be SNAP-authorized farm retailers with one of the following USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) classifications:Direct marketing farmsFarmers’ marketsDelivery routes (mobile farmers’ markets)Nonprofit buying cooperativesFruit/vegetable specialty vendors Eligible vendors selling in any community, to any population and using any distribution model may apply. Applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to distribute healthy produce to communities designated as food deserts and/or environmental justice communities, to areas with relatively few HIP access points relative to their SNAP client populations, and/or to groups that have historically faced disproportionate food insecurity and rates of chronic disease. See more details on the DTA’s priorities at www.mass.gov/hipnoo. Where can I ask questions and learn more?The DTA is hosting an info session via Zoom on Thursday, May 5 at 1pm to answer questions about applications and evaluation. Register here. If you need help navigating the process or are looking for application support, reach out to Zoey at zoey@buylocalfood.org.  |
