A bipartisan group of senators introduced the "Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act" on Tuesday, seeking to let Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken, a change supporters say would make the program more practical for working families, seniors and people without reliable cooking equipment.
Bill Carves Out Narrow SNAP Change
The proposal would amend the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act by modifying the definition of food to add "hot rotisserie chicken," according to a joint statement released by Sen. John Fetterman's (D-Pa.) office.
The bill would not increase SNAP funding, expand eligibility, or open the door to buying all hot prepared foods with benefits. Current law allows cooked rotisserie chicken only after it has been cooled.
Sponsors Pitch Affordability And Convenience
Sens. Jim Justice (R-W.Va), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined Fetterman in backing the measure. Fetterman called rotisserie chicken an affordable meal option, saying in the statement that "America's best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco's (NASDAQ:COST) $4.99 rotisserie chicken" and that SNAP money would be "well spent" helping families who need it.
Justice, in a separate statement and in a post on X, said the change was "as basic as you can get" for busy parents and grandparents, adding, "It's plain common sense: a hot rotisserie chicken is a healthy, easy meal for busy families. Folks on SNAP should be able to grab one on the go."
Capito framed the proposal as a matter of "convenience and dignity," saying it would better serve seniors, working families and people without dependable cooking access while making "smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Farm Bill Push Keeps Issue Alive
The measure is a companion to a farm bill effort led by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) that drew bipartisan support in committee, though the specific provision allowing hot rotisserie chicken purchases was later withdrawn.
The National Chicken Council backed both efforts, arguing the product is healthy, widely available and consistent with federal dietary guidance promoting nutrient-dense protein.
Price Action: Costco Wholesale shares fell 0.21% to $1,003.70 on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data; meanwhile, Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) shares rose 0.29% to $129.98.
Costco’s prime competitor Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) saw shares fall 1.08% to $68.07, while Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE:TSN), America’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, saw its stock dip 0.03% to $64.55 on Wednesday.
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, Costco stock has a high quality score and a favorable price trend performance across short-, medium, and long-term.
Photo courtesy: Jonathan Weiss on Shutterstock.com
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