Expanding SNAP Benefits: The Hot Foods Act and What It Means for Families
4 min read
Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on the table. But did you know that under current rules, SNAP recipients can buy a cold rotisserie chicken, but not a hot one?
A new bipartisan bill, the Hot Foods Act, aims to change that outdated policy and give families more flexibility to purchase nutritious, ready-to-eat meals.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in the U.S., and SNAP plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger. By allowing recipients to use their benefits for hot, prepared foods, the Hot Foods Act would bring much-needed flexibility to the program and help millions of Americans access the meals they need.
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What is the Hot Foods Act?
Introduced by U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, the Hot Foods Act seeks to modernize SNAP by allowing recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot and prepared foods.
The language of this bill would remove restrictions that currently prevent SNAP users from buying items like hot sandwiches, soups, or rotisserie chickens — foods that are often more practical for busy families, seniors, and individuals without reliable access to a kitchen.
Why is this change necessary?
SNAP is designed to combat food insecurity, yet the existing rules make it harder for some of the most vulnerable individuals to access hot and ready meals. Consider these challenges:
Limited Cooking Facilities: Many SNAP recipients, including those experiencing homelessness or living in shelters, do not have a reliable way to cook meals from scratch.
Busy Work Schedules: Working parents and individuals with multiple jobs may not always have the time to prepare meals at home.
Health and Mobility Issues: Seniors and people with disabilities may struggle to cook for themselves, making hot, prepared meals a crucial option.
By removing the restriction on hot food purchases, the Hot Foods Act ensures that SNAP recipients can make food choices that best fit their needs.
How would this impact SNAP recipients?
If passed, the Hot Foods Act would give over 42 million SNAP participants who receive nutritional assistance greater flexibility in their food purchases. This change would be particularly beneficial for:
Families with young children who need quick, nutritious meal options.
Seniors and individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty preparing food at home.
Homeless individuals who lack access to a kitchen.
Working-class Americans juggling multiple jobs and struggling to find time to cook.
What’s next for the Hot Foods Act?
The bill has received bipartisan support, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle advocating for this commonsense reform.
Organizations such as Feeding America, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), and First Focus Campaign for Children have also endorsed the bill, noting that it would provide much-needed relief for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who rely on SNAP.
The bill is currently making its way through Congress, and supporters are urging lawmakers to pass it as soon as possible. If approved, the Hot Foods Act would mark a significant step toward modernizing SNAP and ensuring that all recipients — regardless of their circumstances — have access to nutritious and convenient meal options.