WHAT HAPPENED: Sens. Jim Justice (R-WV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) this week introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, which would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken using their benefits. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the House.
WHAT IT DOES: The bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to add “hot rotisserie chicken” to the definition of SNAP-eligible food items. It DOES NOT expand SNAP funding, broaden participant eligibility, or open SNAP to restaurants — it applies only to eligible retailers and only to hot rotisserie chicken.
WHY IT MATTERS: Under current law, SNAP participants can purchase a cold rotisserie chicken but are barred from buying the same chicken if it is served hot — a distinction with no nutritional basis. To comply, some grocers heat rotisserie chickens and then cool them back down before sale, wasting energy and adding unnecessary cost. At roughly $7, a rotisserie chicken is one of the most affordable and complete protein options available in grocery stores and can feed an entire family. For the approximately 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP, removing this arbitrary restriction would expand access to a nutritious, ready-to-eat meal without adding a dime to the federal budget.
NCC’s TAKE: NCC strongly supports the bill and commends the bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers for their leadership. “The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act is a commonsense solution to an unnecessary problem,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “Right now, a SNAP family can buy a cold rotisserie chicken — but the moment it’s hot, it’s off limits. There is no nutritional difference, only an outdated technicality.”
BACKGROUND: This is not the first time Congress has taken up the issue. During the House Agriculture Committee markup of the Farm Bill on March 4, Rep. Crawford offered an amendment to include hot rotisserie chicken in SNAP, which drew strong bipartisan support. Crawford ultimately withdrew the amendment, but the strong support expressed during the markup helped pave the way for this standalone legislation.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“Allowing folks on SNAP to buy hot rotisserie chickens is truly just common sense. It’s as basic as you can get to help busy parents or grandparents put something as simple as this on the table to feed their families. 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,” said Senator Jim Justice.
“America’s best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken 
. It’s one of my family’s favorites and I’m proud to join this bill with Senator Justice for all to try. SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation’s families who need it,” said Senator John Fetterman.
“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves. For seniors, working families, and those without reliable access to cooking equipment, this is about convenience and dignity. With multiple states—including West Virginia—already requesting flexibility in this area, this bill brings SNAP in line with real-world needs while making smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito.
“Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for families to put food on the table. This bill fixes an unnecessary barrier and helps Colorado families get a quick, nutritious meal when they need it,” said Senator Michael Bennet.
“Hot rotisserie chicken is healthy, widely available, popular in grocery stores, and aligns with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans promoting nutrient-dense protein,” said Rep. Rick Crawford.
“Hot take: putting hot rotisserie chicken on food stamps is common sense. Arkansas took items like candy and soft drinks off SNAP. Now let’s put healthy, affordable options like hot rotisserie chicken on,” said Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
WHAT’S IN THE PRESS: Bipartisan lawmakers cook up ‘Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act’ – USATODAY; Senators to introduce Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act for SNAP recipients – The Hill; What to know about the ‘Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act’ – Associated Press; Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act introduced in US Senate – WATT Poultry; ‘So much healthier’: Shoppers say adding hot rotisserie chicken to SNAP is a no-brainer– CBS Harrisburg; Giving them wings: Bipartisan bill would add rotisserie chicken to SNAP benefits – Courthouse News; Got drumsticks? Bill would allow SNAP participants to buy hot rotisserie chicken – Washington Times; “Hot rotisserie chicken should be included in SNAP, John Fetterman and colleagues across the aisle agree” – Philadelphia Inquirer
WHAT’S NEXT: NCC will continue to work with members in both chambers to advance the bill and build additional support, and we will be advocating for its inclusion in the upcoming Farm Bill.
