The farmers’ market season is underway in Fall River and for the third year in a row, those receiving state assistance can take advantage of free fruits and vegetables.
Mass in Motion Fall River is working with local farmers and social service agencies in hosting three markets a week across the city from now until the end of October. The markets are being held each Tuesday from 11 am to 2 pm outside St. Anne’s Hospital, Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm at Healthfirst Family Care Center and Fridays from 11 am to 2 pm at Cardinal Medeiros Towers.
Anyone can purchase produce from any farmers’ market. They are part of the state’s Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) which allows those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to, in essence, receive free fruits and vegetables.
Those receiving SNAP benefits will be entitled to the following monthly HIP dollars when shopping at the farmers’ markets.
Hello – THANK YOU for sharing information about the Fall River farmers markets and the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) with folks in this area!
After watching the video, I realize that I misspoke and quoted some inaccurate information about the HIP benefits. (Originally, I quoted the household sizes incorrectly)
The ACCURATE INFO is that SNAP Households with 1-2 people can use an additional $40/month, households with 3-5 people can use $60/month and SNAP households with 6+ people can use an additional $80/month for fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, such as the three markets listed in this article!
Thank you again for sharing the news about the wonderful HIP program and the three amazing farmers markets in Fall River that accept HIP as payment!
The public is invited to reach out to me with any questions about the farmers markets or the HIP program.
Sarah Labossiere
slabossiere@fallriverma.org
508-324-2405