In a recent development, over 100 lawmakers are advocating for the inclusion of the Hot Foods Act within the 2023 Farm Bill. This proposed legislation has the potential to enable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to utilize their benefits for the purchase of hot and prepared foods.

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia is spearheading the bipartisan initiative, urging the leadership of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Agriculture Committees to consider a crucial change in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The proposed modification would allow SNAP recipients to utilize their benefits for the purchase of hot food items from grocery retailers, as reported by the Augusta Free Press.

“Hundreds of thousands of Virginia households rely on SNAP to feed their families. But right now, an outdated provision prevents SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase hot foods — meaning working parents can’t purchase a hot sandwich or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store,” noted Spanberger.

Presently, SNAP regulations restrict the use of benefits for hot and prepared foods, with Disaster SNAP being the sole exception. These limitations have been criticized by organizations like the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), which argue that they create unnecessary obstacles to food security and overall well-being for SNAP households. This impact is particularly felt by older adults, individuals with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and those facing specific challenges in preparing meals.

Moreover, the prohibition on hot prepared foods exacerbates the issue of “time poverty” faced by low-income households, particularly parents juggling multiple jobs. A 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that 30% of SNAP participants cited a lack of time as a hindrance to preparing healthy meals from scratch.

If the Hot Foods Act successfully passes, it has the potential to benefit more than 41 million SNAP recipients, allowing them to use their benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat meals for immediate consumption.