As of September 1, 2025 Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) has returned to their monthly tiered benefits structure!
Haven’t heard of HIP before?
HIP is a program that helps Massachusetts SNAP recipients get more value from their benefits. All SNAP recipients in the state are automatically enrolled in HIP. No extra steps needed!
HIP allows you to use your SNAP/EBT card to buy fresh fruits and vegetables directly from participating farms, and you’ll get that money instantly refunded. This refund is available up to a monthly limit based on your household size, see tiered benefits below.
How HIP Works
Step 1: Make sure your EBT card has at least $0.01 (1 cent) in SNAP funds
Step 2: Find a HIP participating farm at DTAFinder.com
Step 3: Look for HIP signs when you arrive at the farm or market stand
Step 4: Buy any fruits and veggies you like using your EBT card and make sure to tell the vendor that you’d like to use your HIP benefits
Step 5: Get an instant reimbursement for eligible purchases (up to your monthly HIP limit)
Your HIP balance resets at the start of each month, so you can take advantage of the benefit all year round!
Monthly HIP Benefit Tiers
| Household Size | Monthly HIP Benefits |
| 1-2 people | $40 |
| 3-5 people | $60 |
| 6 or more people | $80 |
Example situation: You are a 3 person household and purchase $70 worth of produce with your SNAP, you will automatically be refunded $60 to your SNAP.
How to use SNAP and HIP with Eastie Farm
Eastie Farm is proud to be a HIP vendor through our CSA program!
If you currently receive SNAP benefits, you can purchase a portion of, or your full weekly share with SNAP by filling out the SNAP CSA form (email csa@eastiefarm.com for more information). In order to do so, you will need to sign a CSA agreement, DTA will need to process it, and the payment automatically goes through every month. Through HIP, your SNAP will be automatically reimbursed up to your monthly HIP limit.
Depending on the CSA share you select and your monthly HIP amount, the cost of your CSA may be covered completely by HIP. At a minimum, you can receive a bi-weekly CSA at $20/share covered by HIP ($40/month). It a maximum, you can receive a weekly CSA at $20/share covered by HIP ($80/month). Subscribe to the CSA with the CSA SNAP/HIP application form (email csa@eastiefarm.com for more information).
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a subscription-based program that connects consumers directly with local farms. By joining a CSA, you receive weekly shares of fresh, seasonal produce while supporting farmers’ livelihoods, your own health, and the Massachusetts community as a whole.
Eastie Farm partners with farms across Massachusetts to bring fresh, locally grown produce to Boston residents.
CSA Share Tiers
Our CSA program began in response to the food insecurity many East Boston residents faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we’ve remained committed to making our CSA as accessible and affordable as possible. We offer tiered CSA pricing to reduce financial barriers and ensure everyone has access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
| Helping Hand Share | Market Share | Leg Up Share |
| $55/week | $47/week | $20/week |
*this is our 2025 tiered pricing and may change in 2026
Example HIP Scenarios
One scenario: You purchase the $20/week (or $80/month) with SNAP and receive $80 in monthly HIP benefits, you receive 4 shares completely covered by HIP benefits.
Second scenario: You purchase the $20/week (or $80/month) with SNAP and receive $40 in monthly HIP benefits, you pay residual $40 with SNAP benefits or out of pocket.
Third scenario: You purchase a biweekly share for $20/week (or $40/month) and receive $40 in monthly HIP benefits, you receive 2 shares completely covered by HIP benefits.
Fourth scenario: You purchase a portion of your share using SNAP. You will receive a refund of the portion paid using SNAP up to your monthly HIP benefits.
Eastie Farm CSA for 2026
Our CSA for 2025 is coming to an end, but if you are interested in joining Eastie Farm’s CSA for the 2026 season, fill out our CSA interest form to be the first to know when subscriptions open.
Eat fresh, support local farms, and make the most of your SNAP benefits with HIP!
For additional information visit: mass.gov/hip
Blog Post Written by Christine Berlingeri
