Massachusetts Reopens Farm Vendor Applications for HIP
The state is accepting new farm vendor applications for its Healthy Incentives Program through Dec. 10.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should Massachusetts expand programs that help families buy fresh produce with SNAP?
Massachusetts is reopening applications for new farm vendors to join the Healthy Incentives Program, the first time new vendors have been admitted since 2022. The program has surpassed $100 million in healthy incentives for low-income households.
Why it matters
The expansion responds to a recommendation from the Anti-Hunger Task Force, which was established to address rising food insecurity across Massachusetts. The state says the move is intended to reach more communities and help more people get the food they need.
The Healthy Incentives Program now operates at more than 500 locations across Massachusetts and has generated $100 million in direct sales to state farmers. The number of vendors that will be selected from the current applications has not been announced.
The players
Gov. Maura Healey
Maura Healey is the Governor of Massachusetts, the state whose administration oversees the Healthy Incentives Program and its expansion to new farm vendors.
The details
The program adds money back to participants' EBT cards when they buy eligible fruits and vegetables from participating farm vendors. The new application period will prioritize farms and organizations serving communities with limited access to HIP vendors, and selected vendors will be brought into the program in phases.
Timeline
2017: Healthy Incentives Program launched.
2022: Last time new farm vendors were admitted to the program.
July 2025: Anti-Hunger Task Force established.
July 2026: Program surpassed $100 million in healthy incentives.
Dec. 10, 2026: Deadline for new farm vendor applications.
Season Trajectory
The Healthy Incentives Program was launched in 2017 and has grown to more than 500 locations, with its $100 million milestone marking a major point in its development. Reopening vendor admissions after the 2022 pause signals that the state is widening the program's reach across more communities.
Eligible households in Massachusetts can use their EBT cards for fruits and vegetables at participating farm vendors, and the expansion aims to add vendors in communities with limited access. Farms and organizations that want to participate can apply through the state's application materials before the Dec. 10 deadline.
The takeaway
Farms and organizations interested in joining the program should review the application materials and submit before the Dec. 10 deadline. Households with EBT cards may find more places to buy fresh produce as the program expands.
What happens next
Applications for new farm vendors close Dec. 10, and selected vendors will be brought into the program in phases after that date.
Further reading
Explore more on Organic Food to see how farm programs like this one connect to local produce access.
More information
Review the HIP new vendor application materials on the Massachusetts state website.
Live Poll
Should Massachusetts expand programs that help families buy fresh produce with SNAP?
