Bill > H222

This bill establishes a year-round Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance in collaboration with the departments of Agricultural Resources and Public Health. The program will provide additional benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who purchase fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, dried, or frozen) from participating vendors, with matching benefits reimbursed directly to the recipient's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The bill prioritizes expanding vendor participation in underserved areas and requires collaboration with local food coalitions to ensure equitable access. A new Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund will be created to support the program, which can receive funding from public and private sources, including potential federal grants like the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program. The department must submit an annual detailed report by January 31st, including program statistics such as participant demographics, transaction numbers, vendor information, and strategies for expanding program access. The bill also directs the Department of Transitional Assistance to develop regulations for implementing the program, with the overall goal of improving nutritional access for SNAP recipients.