WASHINGTON, D.C. — Millions of Americans using food assistance could soon be allowed to buy hot rotisserie chicken under new bipartisan legislation introduced Tuesday, aimed at removing a long-standing restriction in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
What This Means for You
- SNAP recipients could be allowed to purchase hot rotisserie chicken
- The bill does not expand benefits or allow all hot foods
- Lawmakers say the change would improve convenience without increasing costs
U.S. Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, and Michael Bennet of Colorado introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to modify federal law governing SNAP purchases.
What the Bill Would Change
SNAP currently allows recipients to buy groceries but generally prohibits “hot prepared foods” — meaning items ready to eat at the point of sale. As a result, shoppers can purchase a cooked rotisserie chicken only after it has been cooled, not while it is hot and ready to eat.
The proposed legislation would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to specifically allow hot rotisserie chicken to qualify as an eligible food item.
Lawmakers said the change targets a narrow gap in the program without expanding it broadly. The bill would not increase SNAP funding, expand eligibility, or allow purchases of other hot foods. It would also continue to limit purchases to approved grocery retailers, not restaurants.
Lawmakers Cite Convenience and Access
Supporters of the bill say the current restriction creates unnecessary barriers, particularly for households with limited time or access to cooking equipment.
“America’s best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken,” Fetterman said. “SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation’s families who need it.”
Justice called the proposal a “commonsense” step to help families prepare meals more easily, while Capito said the change would better reflect real-world needs for seniors and working households.
Bennet said the legislation would remove an “unnecessary barrier” and make it easier for families to access quick, nutritious meals.
Industry and Policy Context
The National Chicken Council also backed the proposal, arguing the current rule creates inefficiencies for retailers by requiring chickens to be cooled before they can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
“The HOT Rotisserie Chicken Act is a commonsense solution to an unnecessary problem,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “Right now, a SNAP family can buy a cold rotisserie chicken — but the moment it’s hot, it’s off limits.”
Kircher said there is no nutritional difference between hot and cooled rotisserie chicken and argued the current rule wastes energy, reduces quality, and adds cost.
Broader SNAP Policy Efforts
The bill comes as lawmakers continue to debate updates to SNAP under the broader federal Farm Bill process. A related House proposal led by Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas previously was offered and later withdrawn during House Farm Bill markup, though supporters said it drew bipartisan support.
Fetterman, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has also backed other SNAP-related legislation, including Bennet’s Hot Foods Act, which would allow all hot foods to be purchased under SNAP, and measures aimed at protecting Electronic Benefit Transfer cards from skimming and theft.
Next Steps
The legislation must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law before any changes take effect. Lawmakers from both parties voiced support for the targeted change, though no timeline for a vote was announced.
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