SNAP/HIP
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is an essential social safety net program in the United States designed to address food insecurity and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP plays a crucial role in mitigating wealth inequality through several mechanisms:
- Food Security: SNAP ensures that individuals and families with limited financial resources can access an adequate and nutritious diet. Food security is a fundamental component of overall well-being and can have long-term effects on health, education, and economic productivity. By reducing hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations, SNAP helps to level the playing field and promote equal opportunities.
- Poverty Reduction: SNAP is an income support program, and its benefits act as a form of income for eligible households. By supplementing their purchasing power, SNAP helps lift people out of poverty or prevent them from falling deeper into poverty. Reducing poverty is crucial for addressing wealth inequality since it narrows the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Redistribution of Wealth: SNAP functions as a form of wealth redistribution, as it transfers resources from taxpayers to low-income individuals and families in need. This redistribution helps ensure that those with less financial means have access to basic necessities like food, contributing to a more equitable distribution of resources.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, in 2021 there were 902 SNAP recipients in the town of Needham, 441 of which are from Needham (02492) and 461 are from Needham Heights (02494). Learn more about SNAP and see if you qualify.
What is HIP?
HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) puts money back on your EBT card* when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors. There is no special sign-up for HIP. If you live in Massachusetts and get SNAP benefits, your household is automatically able to participate in HIP. *up to a monthly cap of $40, $60, or $80
You can earn HIP incentives at participating:
- Farmers’ markets (where some or all vendors may participate in HIP)
- Farm stands
- Mobile markets
- Community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share programs
Notes on using HIP at farmers’ markets (From Mass.gov)
At most farmers’ markets, HIP vendors will process HIP directly at their booth. Make sure the vendor you buy from can process HIP! Not all farms participate in HIP, even at the same farmers’ market. Look for a sign with a HIP logo, or ask the vendor to be sure.
At some farmers’ markets, the market will process HIP in a central location. At these markets, you can use your HIP on purchases from all farm vendors who sell produce. Here’s how this works:
- Choose the fruits and vegetables you want to buy from a farmer’s booth.
- When you go to pay, the farmer will send you to a centralized market manager’s booth to pay.
- The market manager will swipe your card and give you a receipt that shows you how much SNAP you have spent and how much HIP you have used toward your monthly cap.
- Take your receipt back to the farmer as proof of payment.
- The farmer will then give you your produce.
