Translation and interpretation requests
The HIP Notice of Opportunity application is available in English. For interpretation services, please schedule to complete your application over the phone. If you need live interpretation of the HIP Notice of Opportunity info session, please describe the request in the Zoom registration form or contact DTA.HIP@mass.gov.
How to submit a question
If you have questions about the HIP Notice of Opportunity application, please email DTA.HIP@mass.gov. Questions will not be answered directly via email. Questions and answers will be posted publicly in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
Where can I find more information about this opportunity?
- View the HIP Notice of Opportunity 2026 Evaluation Criteria.
- Attend one of the following virtual information sessions:
When does the application close?
The application closes December 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Can I view a copy of the application questions in PDF form before I fill out the application form?
How do I know if my application was submitted correctly?
Once submitted, you will see a message indicating it was successfully submitted and received.
If you would like a copy of your responses, you can download it after submitting by following these instructions or request a copy of your responses to DTA.HIP@mass.gov.
Where can I find more information about HIP?
You can find more information about HIP on mass.gov/HIP.
Will vendors be selected on a rolling basis?
No, vendor selection will be announced after the application period closes and all applications are reviewed.
Will I be notified if my business is selected?
Yes, vendors will be notified of selection or non-selection via email, following the review process.
Which vendors are eligible to apply for this opportunity?
Eligible vendors include businesses selling fruits and vegetables and authorized by USDA in one of the following categories:
- Direct-marketing farms
- Farmers’ markets
- Delivery routes (mobile farmers’ markets)
- Nonprofit buying cooperatives
- Fruit/vegetable specialty vendors
Is this opportunity open to new HIP vendors and for existing HIP vendors to add new terminals?
Yes. Both new and existing HIP vendors can apply.
Do I have to be authorized for SNAP already to apply?
No, but you will need to become authorized by USDA in a HIP-eligible category in order to keep your place.
Can I apply even if I do not sell in the Priority Communities listed?
Yes. All eligible vendors are welcome to apply.
How many vendors will be selected?
There is not a set number of vendors who will be selected. The state will select the vendors who are collectively the best fit for the program at this time.
What if I do not know my fruit and vegetable sales amount from the prior year, or how much HIP sales I will do next year?
Please provide your best estimate.
Are there any alternatives to applying online?
Yes. You can schedule a time to provide your answers over the phone with Interviewer A, Interviewer B, or Interviewer C. A staff member will ask you the questions on the application form, and your answers will be transcribed as close to verbatim as possible. (Please note, however, that the staff member taking your answers will not be a professional stenographer.)
Why are you accepting phone applications?
The phone application process may be more accessible for some applicants.
Will applications that are submitted via phone be scored differently than those submitted online?
No. All applications will be scored on content only. Grammar, sentence construction, etc. will not affect evaluation.
Will submitting my application over the phone/speaking to a staff member increase my chances of being selected?
No. All applications will be scored on content only.
If I have already submitted an application and want to change my answers, what are my options?
You may resubmit your application until close of the application period. If we receive multiple applications from the same vendor, we will only evaluate the most recently submitted application.
How do I find out what my SNAP retailer category is?
Please call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.
Can you tell me if my application is likely to be approved?
No. We encourage all eligible farm vendors to apply for consideration, according to the criteria available.
I use a SNAP equipment provider that is not capable of processing HIP. Can I still apply to this opportunity?
Yes, you can still apply. If selected, you will need to acquire equipment capable of processing HIP.