If I told you that our state runs the only program in the country that targets hunger and health, by making fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers accessible to families on SNAP, you might feel proud of that fact.
And if I shared that this Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is championed by the House, Senate and the governor, across both political parties, because of its tremendous success in addressing many issues, you might feel the glow of the shared values of commerce and community.
But this budget year, the administration requested $25 million to continue the $40 of local produce per month for the smallest households. The Legislature only allocated $15 million. So, the administration announced draconian cuts of at least 50% for every household that uses HIP, starting Dec. 1.
