Project Bread
While the shutdown continues, USDA has stated that they will not continue to fund SNAP benefits beyond November 1. Starting November 1, households will see a disruption in their monthly SNAP benefit amount.
Benefits already on your card will remain there and can continue to be used in November.
For help finding local community food resources, please call, text, or chat Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Students can continue to receive free school meals during the shutdown. The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) is also continuing to operate.
State funded programs like Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), and the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) will continue normally.
In Massachusetts, SNAP users are automatically enrolled in HIP. This is a state-funded program that will continue to be available even if federal SNAP dollars are delayed.
What is HIP?
HIP provides additional funds to help SNAP recipients purchase more fresh, local produce each month.
How can I continue using HIP funds?
HIP can be used at eligible HIP retailers so long as a household has a non-zero dollar SNAP balance. For example, if you have 45 cents available on your EBT card, you can continue to use your HIP benefits.
Where can I use HIP?
Find a HIP retailer where you can make HIP eligible purchases or call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline to speak to a counselor about how and where you can use HIP at 1-800-645-8333.
How much am I eligible for?
HIP benefits are different based on household size. Households of 1-2 people are eligible for $40 in HIP per month. Households of 3-5 people are eligible for $60 in HIP per month. Households of 6+ people are eligible for $80 in HIP per month.
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.