Bipartisan Bill to Allow SNAP Purchases of Hot Chicken

On Tuesday, a bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), Sen.

Jim Justice (R-WV), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Sen.

Michael Bennet (D-CO), introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act. This bill seeks to amend the 2008 Food Nutrition Act to permit SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken, which is currently prohibited under existing SNAP rules that restrict the purchase of hot prepared foods.

The bill does not increase SNAP funding or eligibility but aims to provide a practical solution for families needing nutritious meals. Fetterman emphasized the absurdity of the current law, which limits access to affordable, healthy food options.

The National Chicken Council supports the bill, arguing that hot rotisserie chicken aligns with dietary guidelines and is a popular, nutrient-dense protein source. While the bill has garnered bipartisan support, its passage remains uncertain in a divided Congress, with critics arguing that it does not address broader issues within the SNAP program.