Senator Michael Bennet and colleagues have introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, a bill designed to permit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to buy hot rotisserie chicken using their benefits. The proposal arrives as new federal work requirements take effect, potentially reducing or eliminating SNAP benefits for thousands of Colorado residents.
Current federal regulations prohibit SNAP users from purchasing any prepared food, a policy established decades ago to discourage spending on restaurant meals and fast food in favor of ingredients for home cooking. The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act would create an exception to that rule, allowing beneficiaries to buy ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken.
Proponents argue the restriction no longer reflects market realities. Rotisserie chicken has become a staple in home cooking, with major food platforms and recipe sites regularly featuring guides on how to create multiple meals from a single bird. Costco sells three-pound rotisserie chickens for $4.99, a price that advocates contend makes the product no more expensive than many other protein options currently permitted under SNAP guidelines. On a per-pound basis, rotisserie chicken costs less than canned chicken, which beneficiaries can already purchase.
Senator John Fetterman, a co-sponsor of the measure, framed the chicken as "America's best affordability play," noting it is popular among his own family. "SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation's families who need it," he stated.
The bill's prospects may benefit from the Trump administration's recently released dietary guidelines, which emphasize protein-rich foods and feature chicken prominently in the updated food pyramid. Costco reported selling 157 million rotisserie chickens in 2025, suggesting the product's broad market penetration and consumer demand across income levels.
