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A new bill in the House of Representatives aims to expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by allowing recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chickens. The proposal received strong bipartisan support, with members from both parties voting overwhelmingly in favor.
Currently, SNAP benefits are restricted to grocery store items and generally exclude hot, prepared foods or meals from restaurants. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), whose committee oversees SNAP, noted that his family often buys rotisserie chickens and doesn’t eat them right away.
“We take it home, throw it in the fridge, and then eat it over the course of a week. It’s easier to debone when it’s a little warm,” he explained.
The legislation, called the Healthy Obtainable Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Act, was introduced by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) and Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.).
Congresswoman McDonald Rivet emphasized the practicality of the measure, sharing her personal experience as a working mother. “A hot rotisserie chicken has saved dinner countless times,” she said.
“It’s unreasonable for the government to prevent working parents from buying such a convenient, affordable, and nutritious meal option.”
She added that allowing hot rotisserie chicken purchases with SNAP benefits would be a sensible step to ease the burden on struggling families without additional costs to taxpayers.
Despite House approval, the bill’s future remains uncertain, as the Senate is not expected to pass similar legislation anytime soon, leaving the timeline for implementation unclear.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania also weighed in, praising rotisserie chicken as a cost-effective meal choice. “Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken is America’s best and most delicious affordability option,” he said.
“It’s a family favorite, and I’m proud to support this bill alongside Sen. Justice for All.
SNAP funds would be well spent to nourish families in need.”
However, some lawmakers questioned the bill’s narrow focus on rotisserie chicken. Rep.
Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) expressed reservations about allowing hot chicken but not other hot foods like soup. “I don’t mind chicken, but why single it out and exclude all other hot foods?
I guess Perdue weighed in on this,” he told HuffPost, referencing the poultry company.
As the debate continues, advocates for the bill argue that including hot rotisserie chicken in SNAP benefits would provide a practical, healthy option for millions of Americans relying on food assistance.