(WASHINGTON) - A bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing a change to what can be purchased with federal food assistance.
The proposal, known as the "Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act," would allow SNAP benefits to be used to buy hot prepared rotisserie chicken from grocery stores.
Currently, SNAP does not cover hot prepared foods, a restriction that dates back decades and was intended to encourage home cooking.
Supporters of the bill say the change would give families access to a convenient, ready-to-eat source of protein.
The legislation is being led by Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, along with additional bipartisan support in both chambers.
SNAP serves nearly 42 million Americans, providing monthly benefits to help low-income households purchase groceries.
The proposal comes as lawmakers continue to debate what foods should qualify under the program.