House Approves SNAP Hot Rotisserie Chicken Amendment

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to the 2026 Farm, Food, and National Security Act that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), cleared the chamber 384-35, with bipartisan support from 196 Democrats and 187 Republicans. Twenty-three Republicans and twelve Democrats voted against it. The measure now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

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Since its 2008 Food and Nutrition Act revision, SNAP benefits have been limited to foods that can be prepared at home or to cold-prepared items. Hot prepared foods, including rotisserie chicken, are excluded despite being widely available in grocery stores. The amendment seeks to modify the statutory definition of “food” to add “hot rotisserie chicken,” aligning SNAP with real-world purchasing patterns and addressing gaps for seniors, working families, and households lacking cooking equipment.

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The amendment enjoys backing from a coalition of senators and representatives: Sens. Jim Justice (R-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and John Fetterman (D-PA) co-authored the Senate version. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) has championed a broader “Hot Foods Act” that would extend SNAP coverage to all hot, prepared meals. Rep. Rick Crawford, the House sponsor, highlighted the practical need for the change, while the National Chicken Council publicly praised the effort.

The Hill

• Vote tally: 384-35 in favor.

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• SNAP enrollment: over 41 million recipients nationwide.

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• Current SNAP rule: permits purchase of cold-prepared rotisserie chicken but not hot versions.

The Hill

Sen. Fetterman framed the amendment as a means to “feed our busy and hardworking families with real food,” emphasizing affordability through the $4.99 Costco rotisserie chicken. Rep. Capito described the change as “a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves,” noting its impact on seniors and families without reliable cooking facilities. Rep. Meng urged lawmakers not to stop at chicken, arguing that “everyone should be able to buy a hot meal…[and] SNAP should cover ALL hot, prepared foods.” Collectively, sponsors argue the amendment improves dignity, convenience, and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

The Hill

While the amendment enjoys broad support, some legislators argue it addresses only a narrow slice of SNAP’s limitations. Rep. Grace Meng’s “Hot Foods Act” seeks to expand coverage beyond chicken to soups, sandwiches, and other hot meals, warning that stopping at rotisserie chicken “misses the larger opportunity to modernize SNAP.” Additionally, Rep. Eugene Vindman (R-VA) criticized the broader farm bill for locking in SNAP cuts and shielding pesticide manufacturers, suggesting that incremental changes like the chicken amendment may distract from needed systemic reforms.

The Hill

Sources agree on the vote count and the amendment’s text, but there is no consensus on the projected cost impact or the timeline for Senate action. Data on how many SNAP households would actually purchase hot rotisserie chicken, and the potential effect on overall SNAP expenditures, remain unquantified.

The Hill

• “Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves,” — Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Senator (R-WV)

The Hill

• “feed our busy and hardworking families with real food,” — John Fetterman, U.S. Senator (D-PA)

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• “Everyone should be able to buy a hot meal, with or without a Costco membership (or even liking chicken). That’s why my Hot Foods Act lets SNAP cover ALL hot, prepared foods!” — Grace Meng, U.S. Representative (D-NY)

The Hill

• “Currently, participants can buy a rotisserie chicken if it’s cold, but not if it’s hot,” — National Chicken Council (Twitter)

Washington Examiner

The amendment now moves to the Senate, where it will be debated alongside the full farm bill. Lawmakers indicate that the Senate may consider additional SNAP reforms, including the broader Hot Foods Act, before the farm bill is finalized and sent to the President for signature.

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