As foodinsecurity deepens amid federal budget gridlock, one Boston woman’s viral video is drawing attention to a little-known way struggling families can stretch their groceries further.
In a clip posted by M.o.M. MEDIA (@mindovrmatr617)onInstagram, the woman urges Massachusetts residents who rely on SNAP (Supplemental NutritionAssistanceProgram) to take one simple step before their benefits are reduced: keep at least $1 on your EBT card.
“If you keep $1 on your SNAP card going forward, you have access to HIP — the Healthy Incentive Program,” she explained. “Depending on the familysize, you can get $40 for one or two people, $60 for three to five, or $80 for six or more, and shop at a farmer’s market or farm stand to get fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers.”
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), funded by the state of Massachusetts, is designed to make healthy food more affordable for low-income residents by reimbursing SNAP recipients for purchases of fresh produce directly from participating local farmers…