As food insecurity 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) on Instagram, the woman urges Massachusetts residents who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) 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 family size, 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.
Every dollar spent on qualifying fruits and vegetables is matched instantly, effectively doubling the purchasing power of families who need it most.
Her message is timely and is gaining traction among residents anxious about SNAP cuts taking effect this fall. With the potential loss of hundreds of dollars in monthly grocery aid for some households, many are looking for creative ways to keep food on the table.
Local advocates have praised grassroots awareness efforts like this one, noting that HIP remains one of the most underutilized public benefit programs in the state.
Many eligible families either don’t know it exists or don’t understand how to activate it — a knowledge gap that viral posts like this help fill.
Massachusetts has long been seen as a leader in connecting local agriculture with public assistance. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, more than 100 farmers markets and farm stands statewide participate in HIP, offering everything from apples and kale to eggs and honey.
As the video continues to circulate, it’s serving not just as a guide, but as a reminder of the power of community information-sharing, especially in times of uncertainty.
For those seeking to locate HIP-participating vendors or check eligibility, officials recommend visiting Mass.gov/HIP for detailed instructions.
