We are eighth grade students from Ephraim Curtis Middle School in Sudbury, Massachusetts who are working on our 2025 Civics Action Project with the goal of helping to fight food insecurity in Massachusetts. The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is a crucial initiative aimed at alleviating food insecurity for those most in need. HIP provides qualified Massachusetts residents with approximately $40-$80 per month to help them purchase fresh food from local farms, including Sudbury’s own Siena Farms, which is a loyal supporter of HIP.
 Unfortunately, HIP now faces a significant financial crisis, as its budget for people in need was drastically reduced by 50% in December 2024. In order to effectively aid those who continue to struggle with access to healthy food, the Massachusetts legislature is considering a $25 million budget for HIP.  Our objective is to restore the funding cuts made to HIP in 2024 and to secure passage of the state budget bill that will fund the Healthy Incentives Program with money that is desperately needed by local residents. 
 Today, HIP has more than 24,000 users in Massachusetts who benefit from the healthy and nutritious food made available to them through this program, which began in 2017. Of course, food insecurity is a pervasive problem in Massachusetts and beyond, impacting individuals and families who do not have reliable access to healthy food due to financial constraints. According to the Greater Boston Food Bank, in Massachusetts alone, during 2024 more than 1.9 million people suffered from food insecurity, many of whom are children and elderly citizens. Fully funding HIP will allow Massachusetts to take a vital step towards ensuring that those suffering from hunger receive the nutrition they need for healthier lives.  
 Finally, by funding HIP, local farmers and food producers will also benefit because of increased business. Our local farmers are essential to providing fresh produce to HIP recipients. The December 2024 budget cut severely affected Massachusetts farmers. According to a Siena Farms representative, their business experienced a significant decrease both in the number of customers and the volume of sales per customer. When HIP beneficiaries buy food from farmers, those businesses are able to make more money by supplying another category of customers with healthy, nutritious food. In conclusion, supporting HIP not only addresses the immediate hunger needs of food insecure people, but also promotes the long-term health of our community by encouraging consumption of healthy, locally-sourced foods grown on Massachusetts farms.
 This is a pivotal moment for Massachusetts residents to come together and support an initiative that will directly benefit the most vulnerable among us. By signing this petition, you signal your commitment to drastically improving the quality of life for countless individuals. Your voice will help ensure the continued stability and expansion of HIP, protecting vital food access to nearly two million persons who remain food insecure. Please urge the Massachusetts legislature and Governor Healey to approve the necessary $25 million funding for the Healthy Incentives Program. Sign the petition today and make a lasting difference in the lives of our community members. Thank you - Eva Napoli, Lena Portelli, and Lyla Makridakis.