WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits.

“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves. For seniors, working families, and those without reliable access to cooking equipment, this is about convenience and dignity. With multiple states—including West Virginia—already requesting flexibility in this area, this bill brings SNAP in line with real-world needs while making smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Senator Capito said.

“Allowing folks on SNAP to buy hot rotisserie chickens is truly just commonsense. It’s as basic as you can get to help busy parents or grandparents put something as simple as this on the table to feed their families. We have to give people the option to put a healthy, protein-dense choice on the table that actually tastes good and doesn’t take an hour and a half to cook,” Senator Justice said.

“America’s best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken. It’s one of my family’s favorites and I’m proud to join this bill with Senator Justice for all to try. SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation’s families who need it,” Senator Fetterman said.

“Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for families to put food on the table. This bill fixes an unnecessary barrier and helps Colorado families get a quick, nutritious meal when they need it,” Senator Bennet said.

BACKGROUND:

  • House companion legislation is being led by Congressman Rick Crawford (R- Ark.) and was offered and withdrawn during House Farm Bill markup, which received support from both parties.
  • Current statute does not allow the purchase of hot prepared foods under SNAP but does allow the purchase of cooked rotisserie chicken that has been cooled down.
  • The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the definition of food by adding “hot rotisserie chicken.”
  • Rotisserie chicken is unmatched in value – most costing around $5 at grocery stores – especially when factoring in how much time it saves.
  • This bill does not increase funding or participant eligibility for SNAP or allow all hot foods to be included for purchase.
  • It also only applies to eligible retailers, maintaining that SNAP will not be expanded to restaurants.

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