I was disturbed by a recent article in the Gazette about the shortfall in funding for the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) [“HIP cuts hit home,” Jan. 13]. This program incentives the purchase of locally grown produce by low-income families in the commonwealth. This obviously benefits their health, but as I understand from the article, the increased sales are also an important supplement to local farmers, who are the backbone of our economy.
Apparently the Healey/Driscoll administration could fully fund this program with $10 million in a supplemental budget. If you are concerned about our neighbors having healthy food and our local farmers staying in business, ask the governor to support $10 million for the HIP program in a future supplemental budget.
Dave King
Amherst