Larger households in Massachusetts receiving publicly funded food benefits will get extra support to buy fresh fruits and vegetables; here are the details

BY ALISON KUZNITZ

Larger households receiving publicly funded food benefits will get extra support to buy fresh fruits and vegetables starting next month, as state officials gird for federal cuts that could escalate food insecurity.

The Department of Transitional Assistance announced Thursday that the Healthy Incentives Program will return to a tiered benefit structure with higher monthly caps on Sept. 1. The expanded benefits are being funded with a $7.5 million boost included in a spending bill Gov. Maura Healey signed this month.

HIP enables SNAP recipients to stretch their benefits and receive money back on their EBT cards when they purchase healthy food at participating farm vendors. The Healey administration in December instituted a $20 monthly cap on HIP benefits for all households, regardless of their size, due to budget shortfalls. The benefit cap returned to $40 monthly for all SNAP households, regardless of size, on July 1, according to DTA.

Through the tiered structure, households of one to two people will continue to have a $40 monthly cap; households of three to five people will have a $60 cap; and households of six or more will have an $80 cap.

Massachusetts families have bought more than $85 million worth of local produce through the program from more than 250 farmers since 2017, according to DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue.

“While the federal government is cutting nutrition programs, Massachusetts remains committed to food security,” DTA said. “The program operates year-round to provide predictability for vendors, the majority of whom are small local farmers who plan their growing seasons based on anticipated program participation.”

One in six residents receive SNAP benefits, and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute estimates that 175,000 individuals could lose some or all of their benefits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“The timing of this funding is vital for our farmers and communities,” Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle said. “By creating this tiered structure, we’re making it easier for families to access fresh, nutritious food while ensuring that our farmers have a strong market for their produce. This initiative will not only increase food security but also strengthen our local agricultural economy.”