ORANGE — The last time the Healthy Incentives Program was operating at Quabbin Harvest, more than 100 families benefited from buying nutritious food that was essentially free.
The HIP program offers reimbursements to eligible people who purchase fruits and vegetables at HIP vendors, and, after a period of suspension, it is resuming operations May 25.
Quabbin Harvest at 12 North Main St. in Orange is a HIP vendor, and Board of Directors member Pat Larson said she is eager to see people sign up for the program, which has been successful in Orange before.
“Programs participating in the Healthy Incentives Program support both consumers and Massachusetts farmers,” Larson said.
The program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Agricultural Resources and Department of Public Health, using state funds to reimburse eligible people for their purchases.
Under the HIP guidelines, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — also known as food stamps — households are automatically enrolled, and will receive $1 for each dollar spent on eligible fruits and vegetables, up to a monthly limit. Households with one to two people may reach a $40 monthly limit, three to five people may reach a $60 limit and houses with six or more people may reach an $80 limit.
At Quabbin Harvest, eligible families may come by twice a month for their shares — with reimbursements from the state up to their monthly limit.
Vendors include farmers markets and farm stands, mobile markets and Community Supported Agriculture programs, like Quabbin Harvest.
According to Larson, the program has been suspended multiple times due to a lack of funds. It ran for about 10 months after starting in early 2017, started back up in July of last year, and then was suspended again in February.
Larson said local legislators, like state Sens. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, and Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and state Rep. Susannah Whipps, I-Athol, have been advocating for $8.5 million to be included in the state’s budget for continuation of HIP.
“We have a lot of legislative support for it in this area,” said Larson, adding that the program quickly became popular in Orange.
Larson added she encourages people to contact these legislators and others to advocate for further HIP funding in the next budget year, which begins July 1.
“This would help families get fresh produce year round, and help Massachusetts farmers plan crop production for both farmers markets and CSAs,” Larson said.
Quabbin Harvest, for example, has more than 25 local food suppliers from across western Massachusetts.
People who wish to enroll in the program should apply at Quabbin Harvest, Larson said, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Although the program starts back up May 25, Quabbin Harvest will accept applications throughout the summer.
Those who complete an application — which is approved — before May 25 will receive their shares starting in June with HIP reimbursements.
For questions about HIP at Quabbin Harvest, call 978-544-6784.
Reach David McLellan at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.