About SNAP
The Benefits of SNAP
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline
1.800.645.8333
Food assistance in 180 languages
Hotline Hours
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Sat
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The Benefits of SNAP
Going beyond just making ends meet
You may think of SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) only as monthly funds for food shopping, but there are numerous benefits to SNAP that help recipients access a nutritious diet while spending less of their household budget on food, utilities, and more.
Funds for Food
All SNAP recipients receive monthly funds for groceries and farm fresh produce
Once you are enrolled in SNAP and your application is fully processed, you will receive benefits (funds) on your EBT card each month that you can use to purchase food:
- Your monthly SNAP benefits can be used to purchase any eligible groceries.
- Your monthly HIP Incentive helps you purchase more fresh, local produce by reimbursing your SNAP benefits that you spent on produce at designated HIP vendors (up to your monthly limit).
SNAP boosts your food budget and lets you food shop on your own terms
Monthly funds for groceries
SNAP Benefits
People enrolled in SNAP will receive benefits (monthly funds) each month on an EBT card that can be used just like a debit card for grocery shopping — just swipe at the register and enter your PIN. These monthly funds are intended to supplement — add an extra amount — to your household food budget.
Find where SNAP is accepted in stores and where it is accepted online.
You can buy any food item with SNAP benefits except alcohol or prepared meals sold hot and ready to eat. You can even buy seeds or plants for growing food. Learn more about using your EBT card.
How to buy more fresh produce with SNAP
Use your HIP Incentive
People enrolled in SNAP are also automatically enrolled in HIP, which stands for the Healthy Incentives Program. The goal of HIP is to help SNAP recipients purchase more fresh, local produce each month.
When you spend SNAP dollars on eligible fruits and vegetables at a participating HIP location, HIP puts that money back on your EBT card, up to your monthly limit.
Monthly Limits (based on household size):
- $40 Households of 1–2 people
- $60 Households of 3–5
- $80 Households of 6+
Find a HIP retailer where you can make HIP eligible purchases or you can call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline to speak to a counselor about how and where you can use HIP at 1-800-645-8333.
SNAP helps you go beyond just making ends meet
Benefits to ease household budgets
Discounts & Savings for SNAP Households
The programs below offer SNAP recipients with additional savings opportunities to help ease household budgets.
Discounts & Savings Opportunities
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Learn More
Gas and Electric Utilities
As a client of SNAP, you can receive discounts on your utility bills. The utilities must be registered in your name, and you can apply to your utility company for the discount.
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Apply
Internet Service
SNAP recipients receive a discount of up to $30 per month on their broadband internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can also receive a one-time $100 discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
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Find Locations
Admission to Museums & More
With your EBT card, you can receive discounts at several museums and cultural organizations across the state. All you have to do is present your EBT card.
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Purchase Pass
Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program
The MBTA’s income-eligible reduced fare program offers reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18 – 64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program.
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Learn More
SNAP Path to Work
SNAP Path to Work provides Massachusetts SNAP clients with the skills, training, experience, education and employment supports needed to find and keep good paying jobs.
Benefits of SNAP for Households with Children
These additional benefits for SNAP households with children will help to boost your household food budget and save you money on groceries!
Kids Can Eat At School For Free In Massachusetts
As of the 2023-2024 school year, free school meals are available to ALL students— permanently! This means all Massachusetts students attending a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program can enjoy a tasty, nutritious lunch daily at no cost to their families. And free breakfast is provided to all students at schools participating in the School Breakfast Program.
Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program (WIC)
WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC’s goal is to help children under 5 and those that are pregnant, just had a baby or are breastfeeding stay healthy. WIC is available to all families regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Check out WIC's eligibility page to see how families can apply online for WIC services. Individuals receiving SNAP and many types of MassHealth are automatically income-eligible for WIC. Parents, grandparents and foster parents may apply for children under the age of five years who are in their care.
SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks is a federal food program that helps families with school-aged children buy food when schools are closed for the summer. Families with school-aged children who are enrolled in SNAP will automatically be enrolled in this program as well. Eligible recipients will receive a SUN Bucks card.
Find out if you are eligible today!
Project Bread's counselors are ready to help you discover if you qualify for SNAP, and can help you apply. Start a Live Chat below to talk to a counselor online or call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Project Bread is an official SNAP Outreach Partner of The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
As a SNAP Outreach Partner of DTA, Project Bread's role is to make it easier for people in Massachusetts to get SNAP and help anyone having trouble applying.