Congressman Dan Goldman Pushes to Expand SNAP Food Assistance Program to Cover Hot and Prepared Foods

‘Hot Foods Act’ to Remove Outdated Prohibition on Hot, Ready to Eat Meals

Nearly 70 Percent of SNAP Participants Children, Elderly, or Disabled Creating Need for Easy Access to Prepared Food

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Grace Meng (NY-6) in introducing the Hot Foods Act, to expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to allow participants to purchase hot foods such as prepared rotisserie chickens, hot sandwiches, and soups. As it stands, SNAP limits eligible purchases to foods for take-home preparation and consumption or cold prepared foods.

“SNAP recipients should not be hamstrung by unnecessary, outdated restrictions while attempting to feed their families,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Hot food options give families more immediate control over providing the most nutritious meal possible. Having greater flexibility in SNAP benefits also allows individuals with disabilities and the elderly the option to buy food that is already prepared, removing a significant burden on these vulnerable populations. There is no functional difference between a cold sandwich and a hot one, and we must make sure that using SNAP is as simple as possible for those trying to get a good meal.”

Arbitrary restrictions on purchasing hot foods are creating an undue burden on Americans who are increasingly relying on hot foods and prepared meals to feed their families.

The USDA frequently grants emergency waivers to these restrictions during natural disasters, allowing for the purchase of hot foods using SNAP benefits. This legislation would permanently expand food choices and access for the more than 42 million SNAP participants, including children, the elderly, or those with disabilities, who make up 70 percent of SNAP participants.

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