Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Allow SNAP Purchases of Hot Rotisserie Chickens

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation on Tuesday to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chickens with their benefits. Under current guidelines from the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP benefits can only be used for staple foods intended for home preparation, excluding hot prepared items like rotisserie chickens.

Recipients can buy cooled rotisserie chickens, but stores must cool them to comply with the rules.

The proposed bill, named the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to include hot rotisserie chickens in the definition of eligible foods. It would apply only to eligible retailers and would not increase SNAP funding, expand eligibility, or permit purchases of other hot foods, according to a press release.

One of the sponsors stated that SNAP funds would be well spent to feed families in need. Another sponsor said the measure would help busy parents and grandparents provide a healthy, protein-dense meal option.

One sponsor noted that the proposal addresses realities for seniors, working families, and those without cooking equipment. Another sponsor said the legislation removes an unnecessary barrier for families seeking quick, nutritious meals.

“Right now, a SNAP family can buy a cold rotisserie chicken -- but the moment it's hot, it's off limits," — National Chicken Council president Harrison Kircher. Harrison Kircher, president of the National Chicken Council, stated that the current rule requires stores to heat and then cool chickens, wasting energy and reducing quality. He added that there is no nutritional or logical difference between hot and cold rotisserie chickens.”

rules limit purchases to avoid funding restaurant-style meals, focusing on home consumption. The bill responds to calls for more flexibility in food options for recipients. Related developments include six states approved in December 2025 to remove unhealthy foods from SNAP benefits, and Uber Eats adding more stores accepting SNAP in July 2025.