Congress weighs proposal to let SNAP recipients buy hot prepared foods

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Lawmakers are considering a bipartisan proposal that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase hot prepared foods, a change supporters say could help families who struggle to cook at home.

Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has joined the effort, which focuses on whether SNAP users should be permitted to buy items such as grocery store rotisserie chickens - described in the broadcast as a "$4.99 bird."

Current federal rules prohibit SNAP benefits from being used for hot foods intended for immediate consumption, even when they are among the most affordable protein options available.

The proposal would extend new flexibility to the 42 million Americans who receive SNAP, allowing them to buy ready-to-eat foods that are currently off limits. Supporters argue the change could benefit people working multiple jobs or those without full kitchen access.

"For so many Americans, it is challenging to have the time, to have the space, to be able to make meals at home, so we want to see the addition of being able to have more prepared meals that folks can get access to," said George Matysik, Executive Director of the Share Food Program in Philadelphia. He noted that in the city, "One in three residents receive SNAP."

Matysik said the organization views the bill as "common sense," but believes more could be done.

"Rotisserie chicken is a good first step in being able to do that, but obviously we would love to see that Americans with SNAP benefits could get any hot meals that they needed, hot, nutritious meals, for the families that, are in need of those," he said.

He added that SNAP does not cover salads or smoothies, and the nonprofit would like to see eligibility expanded to those foods as well.

The bill has been referred to a Senate committee for further consideration.