The Hot Foods Act of 2025 is a proposed law that would allow people using SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals. This change aims to help those without access to kitchens or cooking facilities by expanding what they can purchase with their benefits.
What This Bill Does
The Hot Foods Act of 2025 proposes changes to the current rules about what can be bought with SNAP benefits. Right now, people using SNAP can't buy hot foods that are ready to eat, like a rotisserie chicken or a slice of pizza. This bill would change that, allowing SNAP users to purchase these hot meals.
The bill also changes the rules for stores that accept SNAP. It says that stores can qualify to accept SNAP benefits if no more than 50% of their sales come from hot foods. This means that small stores, like corner shops or delis, could start selling hot foods to SNAP users as long as they don't make most of their money from these sales.
Additionally, the bill expands the definition of what can be considered an accessory item under SNAP. This means that hot foods would be included in the list of things SNAP users can buy, alongside other items like bread and milk.
Why It Matters
This bill could have a big impact on the lives of many Americans. For people who don't have access to a kitchen, like those living in temporary housing or experiencing homelessness, being able to buy a hot meal could make a big difference. It provides them with more options for nutritious meals that are ready to eat.
Small businesses, especially those in areas known as food deserts where fresh food is hard to find, could also benefit. By allowing these stores to sell hot foods to SNAP users, they might see an increase in sales, which could help them stay open and serve their communities.
For everyday Americans, this bill could mean more choices and less stigma for those using SNAP benefits. It treats SNAP more like cash, allowing users to buy hot meals just like anyone else, which can help reduce the stigma associated with using food assistance.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: No specific cost estimate is available, but the impact is expected to be less than 1% of the $120 billion SNAP budget.
- Timeline for Implementation: If passed, changes would typically take effect upon enactment or by the next fiscal year, with USDA rulemaking taking 6-12 months.
- Number of People Affected: Over 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits and could be impacted by this change.
- Key Dates: The bill was introduced on March 31, 2025, and referred to a subcommittee on April 18, 2025.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill has over 60 cosponsors from both parties, showing rare unity on SNAP issues.
- 50% Hot Food Cap: Stores must ensure that no more than 50% of their sales come from hot foods to qualify for SNAP.
- Historical Context: SNAP has traditionally excluded hot foods to encourage home cooking, but recent waivers in emergencies have set a precedent for change.
Arguments in Support
- Greater flexibility for SNAP recipients: Many people using SNAP don't have kitchens, so being able to buy hot meals provides immediate nutrition.
- Support for small businesses: Stores in food deserts could see increased sales by offering hot foods to SNAP users.
- Emergency aid: In disasters, hot foods can be quickly distributed, helping those in immediate need.
- Promotes dignity and choice: Treating SNAP like cash for food reduces stigma and gives users more freedom in their purchases.
- Limited risk of abuse: The 50% sales cap prevents fast-food chains from dominating the market.
Arguments in Opposition
- Risk of fraud: Hot foods can be harder to track, potentially leading to misuse of benefits.
- Higher costs: Prepared hot foods are often more expensive, which could increase costs for taxpayers.
- Nutritional concerns: Hot foods might not promote healthy eating habits or cooking skills.
- Potential advantage for fast-food chains: Despite the sales cap, some worry that fast-food restaurants might still benefit more than traditional grocery stores.
- Inflation concerns: Increased demand for hot foods could drive up prices for everyone.