A group of bipartisan U.S. senators is advocating for government food assistance programs to cover the cost of rotisserie chicken from grocery stores.
This week, the senators unveiled the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, a proposal to allow these popular grocery items to be purchased with the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps.
“Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken is America’s best and most delicious affordability option,” declared Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. He, along with Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia and others, co-sponsored the bill. “It’s a favorite in my family, and I’m thrilled to join Senator Justice in supporting this bill. SNAP funds would be wisely used to nourish families across the nation who truly need it.”
SNAP provides monthly financial assistance to low-income families for grocery shopping, yet it currently excludes hot prepared foods. This restriction, which has been in place for decades, was originally intended to encourage home cooking. However, critics argue that it is outdated and unfairly limits access to convenient and nutritious food for families already facing financial hardships.
The debate over which foods should qualify for SNAP benefits has persisted at both state and federal levels. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged states to exclude junk food like soda and candy from SNAP eligibility. In response, 22 states, primarily led by Republicans, have sought or received permission to ban certain foods.
SNAP plays a vital role in the U.S. social safety net, assisting nearly 42 million Americans, or about one in eight, in purchasing groceries. On average, households receive about $350 per month in benefits, with the average individual benefit being approximately $190.
Besides Fetterman and Justice, the senators introducing the bill are Republican Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Democrat Michael Bennet of Colorado. Republican Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas has pushed for similar legislation in the House.
“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,” Justice said in a statement.
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