A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation to allow government food assistance programs to cover the cost of rotisserie chicken from grocery stores. The bill, named the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, would make the supermarket staple an eligible purchase under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
Bipartisan Support for the Bill
Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who co-sponsored the bill alongside Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, highlighted the affordability and popularity of rotisserie chicken. "America's best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco's $4.99 rotisserie chicken," Fetterman said. "It's one of my family's favorites, and I'm proud to join this bill with Sen. Justice for all to try. SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation's families who need it."
The bill is also sponsored by Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. In the House, Republican Representative Rick Crawford of Arkansas has pushed for similar legislation.
Current SNAP Restrictions
SNAP provides a monthly stipend for low-income families to buy groceries, but it does not pay for hot prepared foods. This exclusion, which dates back decades, was intended to promote home cooking. However, critics argue that the policy is outdated and penalizes families already struggling to make ends meet by excluding convenient and nutritious options.
Debate Over Eligible Foods
Lawmakers at both the state and federal level have long debated which foods should be eligible for SNAP benefits. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged states to exclude junk food such as soda and candy. Twenty-two states, mostly led by Republicans, have requested or been granted permission to ban certain foods from SNAP purchases.
SNAP's Role in the Social Safety Net
SNAP is a major component of the U.S. social safety net, used by nearly 42 million Americans—about 1 in 8—to help buy groceries. The average monthly benefit per household is approximately $350, and the average benefit per person is about $190.
Senator Justice emphasized the importance of providing healthy options. "We have to give people the option to put a healthy, protein-dense choice on the table that actually tastes good and doesn't take an hour and a half to cook," he said in a statement.
