With SNAP set to run out, state rebates at farms, farmers markets still available
HIP, a state program designed to help SNAP recipients buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farms and farmers markets, could provide some relief with SNAP funding expected to run out.
“If they have even a penny of SNAP, they will receive full HIP benefit of $40 to $80 depending on household size,” said Claire Morenon, communications manager for Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture.
HIP — it stands for Healthy Incentives Program — rebates can then be used on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-approved foods at any SNAP vendor. Everyone who has received SNAP in the last month is enrolled, Morenon said.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture —or CISA — promotes HIP as a way for SNAP beneficiaries to eat healthier and to bring business to farm stands and farmers markets.
There is an online directory of HIP-participating farms and farmers markets here: DTA HIP - Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) or a list from CISA here.
With the government shutdown, SNAP is expected to run out of money Saturday.
In Western Massachusetts alone, more than 191,000 people depend on SNAP to put food on the table, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts said Wednesday.
Springfield has one of the highest percentages of its population relying on SNAP of any community in the state at 47.4%. Holyoke is No. 2 at 43.3%. North Adams was sixth at 33.5% and Chicopee was eighth at 29.6%.
Morenon said CISA is one of many voices encouraging the federal government to fund the program, arguing that it’s impossible for states, or food banks or food pantries to make up the loss.
Peanut butter stocked at The Parish Cupboard in West Springfield. The food bank, which serves West Springfield, Agawam and feeding Hills, expected to get busier as SNAP benefits run out. (Jim Kinney/ The Republican)The Republican
CISA is also preparing materials so retailers at farms and farmers markets have information for SNAP beneficiaries who might suddenly find themselves without a way to feed their families.
“We are expecting that there is going to be a really big burden placed on vendors in just getting the word out,” she said. “At point of sale there is going to be hardship.”
Gardening The Community in Springfield announced that beginning Tuesday, Nov. 4, it will provide a dozen eggs and a gallon of milk once a week to HIP customers at its farm store, 200 Walnut St. beginning Tuesday.
Ther are other resources:
-
Springfield Rescue Mission provides meals, clothing, and essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing hardship across our region. Monetary donations can be made online at springfieldrescuemission.org .
-
United Way of Pioneer Valley supports more than 27 partner agencies through its network of micro-pantries. To get involved or arrange a donation drop-off, call 413-693-0201 or visit www.uwpv.org .
-
Rachel’s Table of Western MA is supporting several food drives and can help with delivery to one or more of our 65 agencies serving the food insecure and who are reaching out for help. It is also accepting nonperishable food items at its Springfield JCC location. Monetary donations can be made by visiting feedwma.org .
State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, said he has family members who have used SNAP benefits from time to time, so he understands that they are a lifeline. He said he is especially a concern in his district, which has a high poverty rate.
“Right now, 51% of my district uses SNAP benefits, that’s 90,000 people who really depend on SNAP and are suffering from food insecurity and housing insecurity,” he said.
The Senate is working with members of Congress to urge them to release some of the money for the benefits, meanwhile Gomez is offering practical tips for families in his district including making sure children make it to school on time for free breakfast offered in every school in the state and added sometimes school cafeteria workers will send food home for students who need it.
For those who can, he asks residents to donate to their local food pantries since there are expecting a surge of people who need help. Money is especially helpful since the pantries can buy food at an extreme discount, but food is also welcome.
The Republican staff writer Jeanette DeForge contributed to this report.
Stories by Jim Kinney
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
