Farmers push to restore state program for SNAP users

Local farmers aren’t optimistic about federal funding after recent cuts — but they’re holding out hope for a state program helping people with low incomes buy fresh produce. 

“It’s a win-win,” town Agriculture Committee co-chair Liza Bemis said of the Healthy Incentives Program. 

HIP encourages people with SNAP benefits to buy from participating farms. It puts money back on a user’s EBT card and essentially makes healthy food free. Farmers still get paid, and some rely on the program to stay afloat, according to Ravi Simon, a spokesperson for state Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury).

While the program remains, a reduction in December 2024 lowered the monthly spending cap that ranged from $40 to $80 depending on family size. The limit is now $20 for all families.

The lower limit also means less money is going into farmstand tills.

Local farmers discussed industry challenges during a recent forum at the Acton Free Public Library. Caro Roszell of the American Farmland Trust said U.S. Department of Agriculture reductions under President Donald Trump compounded the HIP cut’s impact, and she urged attendees to contact lawmakers. 

2026 questions

A frequently asked questions page maintained by the state Department of Transitional Assistance said the HIP reduction was the “only viable option” to keep the program running year-round after legislators trimmed Gov. Maura Healey’s initial $25 million request in her 2025 budget to $15 million.

As the 2026 budget takes shape, Simon said Gentile “strongly supports” upping HIP funding to $25 million and restoring original spending limits. 

House legislators jumped to $20 million in their budget and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means proposed $25.4 million for HIP. 

This time, it’s Healey with the low number, as she only sought $18.82 million. 

State Rep. Simon Cataldo and state Sen. Michael Barrett did not respond to Bridge inquiries. 

A spokesperson for Healey’s Executive Office of Health and Human Service said HIP “is critical for helping Massachusetts families get healthy food and supporting our farmers.” 

The spokesperson said the administration is committed to the program’s success and will review the final budget that reaches Healey’s desk.

Debate on the budget was ongoing in the Senate as of May 22.

In Acton, supporters were crossing their fingers.

“This is a really important program,” Bemis said.