The House approved a measure that will allow food stamp recipients to get rotisserie chicken while it’s hot.
The measure, an amendment to the broader farm bill, passed the lower chamber with a vote of 384-35 with bipartisan support.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds have long been restricted to items recipients can cook at home.
Earlier this month, Sens. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) in backing an amendment to the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act. It is called the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act.
The measure would modify the definition of food to add “hot rotisserie chicken.”
“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves,” Capito said in a statement.
“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,” she added.
Fetterman rejoiced at the passing, posting on X, “Doesn’t only include my crew’s favorite + affordable $4.99 Costco rotisserie — but ANY hot rotisserie.
“Feeding families: a (rotisserie) chicken in every pot,” he added.
The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration as a part of the farm bill.
Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) wants the measure to go even further.
She urged lawmakers to support her Hot Foods Act for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients bill, which will cover all hot foods.
“Everyone should be able to buy a hot meal, with or without a Costco membership (or even liking chicken). That’s why my Hot Foods Act lets SNAP cover ALL hot, prepared foods!” she wrote in a statement earlier this week.
