Meng, Rush and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow SNAP to Cover Hot and Prepared Foods

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan SNAP PLUS Act (H.R. 6338), a bill that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used to purchase hot foods and certain prepared foods, which are currently not covered by SNAP. Approximately 40.8 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, according to the most recent public data.

"Like so many issues, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many existing inequalities – but especially food insecurity," said Rep. Meng. "The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a first line of defense in protecting Americans. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot and prepared foods. This arbitrary restriction burdens families and precludes options, like a rotisserie chicken, that provide healthy meal alternatives. All families deserve the right to make the best choices for their families – including the decision to purchase hot and prepared foods. I am honored to partner with my colleagues, Reps. Rush and Fitzpatrick, in ensuring that SNAP beneficiaries have the flexibility they need to make the best dietary choices for themselves."

"I grew up in a single-parent household. My mother worked hard to provide for us, but my family was always on the edge financially, and at times, we relied on government benefits to get by," said Rep. Rush. "I remember many times when I would not have a decent meal for dinner. So, I understand the importance of food security programs firsthand. It is clear to me – and to families I have heard from who are facing food insecurity in the 1st District and across the nation – that the exclusion of hot and prepared foods under current SNAP criteria is impractical, misguided, and unwise. The fact that you can use SNAP to purchase a frozen, breaded chicken, but not a hot rotisserie chicken or a salad from a grocery store salad bar, frankly, makes no sense. This restriction is most harmful to individuals who may be experiencing homelessness, recovering from a natural disaster, or otherwise lack convenient access to a kitchen or the ability to heat up foods – in other words, people who are among those most in need. The SNAP PLUS Act will remedy the disparity in how hot and prepared foods are treated under SNAP. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, Reps. Meng and Fitzpatrick, in introducing this vital bipartisan legislation."

"Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hunger and food insecurity have risen dramatically in the U.S.," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "Easing arbitrary restrictions on hot and prepared foods for SNAP recipients will increase flexibility for beneficiaries and provide needy families across the country with greater access to an array of fresh and nutritional food options."

The full text of the SNAP PLUS Act can be viewed here. The legislation has been referred to the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations.