WASHINGTON, D.C. — – A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act last week, proposing to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chicken — something current law prohibits.
Under existing rules, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy hot prepared foods. The bill would amend the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act to carve out a specific exception for hot rotisserie chicken, without expanding overall program funding, eligibility, or allowing other hot foods to be covered.
The legislation was introduced by Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and co-sponsored by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). Supporters argue the change is a practical fix for seniors, working families, and those without reliable cooking equipment who could benefit from an affordable, ready-to-eat meal option commonly available in grocery stores for around $5.
The Senate bill is a companion to a House farm bill sponsored by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) that received bipartisan support, though the rotisserie chicken provision was ultimately removed from that legislation. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has separately submitted a state waiver seeking the same flexibility.
The National Chicken Council has backed the effort, noting that rotisserie chicken aligns with federal dietary guidelines emphasizing nutrient-dense protein sources.
