HIP NOO - Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking proposals from new and existing local produce vendors to expand the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) network. This program enables SNAP clients to use incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables from approved vendors, including farms, farmers' markets, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Pilot programs. The DTA aims to increase equitable geographic coverage, specifically within Priority Communities, by selecting a diverse mix of vendors based on their ability to address food access barriers, community connection, and the provision of culturally relevant produce or specialized services like delivery. Selected vendors must maintain active federal SNAP retailer authorization and are responsible for the costs of the necessary Point of Sale hardware and software. Compliance is governed by federal regulations 7 CFR 278.1, 278.2, 278.6, and 274.3, as well as Massachusetts Public Records and data privacy laws. Vendors are required to treat all participants with dignity and professionalism, maintain their own inventory classification systems for eligible items, and participate in DTA program monitoring, which may include unannounced site visits. While the program is open to small businesses, vendors do not receive direct payment from the DTA. The agreement remains in effect until terminated, with a requirement that operations begin within six months of selection.