WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., has joined a bipartisan group of senators in sponsoring legislation that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to use benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chicken
The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to add “hot rotisserie chicken” to the definition of eligible food items under SNAP, according to the bill text. The change would create a narrow exception to existing rules that generally prohibit the purchase of hot, prepared foods intended for immediate consumption.
Warner is co-sponsoring the measure with Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Jim Justice, R-W.Va.; John Fetterman, D-Pa.; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Chris Coons, D-Del.; Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del.; Dave McCormick, R-Pa.; and Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
“For families trying to stretch every dollar, it doesn’t make much sense that SNAP recipients can buy a rotisserie chicken once it’s cooled down, but not while it’s still hot,” Warner said. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense fix to an outdated rule that will make it easier for working families, seniors, and other SNAP recipients to put an affordable, nutritious meal on the table.”
Under current SNAP rules, beneficiaries generally cannot purchase hot, prepared foods intended for immediate consumption. A rotisserie chicken is eligible only if it is sold after being cooled.
The average rotisserie chicken costs about $7 and is widely considered an affordable, ready-to-eat protein option.
A companion bill has already passed the House of Representatives.
The measure is endorsed by the National Chicken Council, the Virginia Poultry Federation and Feeding America.
Virginia Poultry Federation President Hobey Bauhan called the proposal a “win for SNAP beneficiaries and taxpayers,” saying it expands access to a convenient protein option.
