SNAP benefits could expand to cover hot prepared foods
In committeeH.R. 2512Latest action
Sponsor: Grace Meng · Representative · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Hot Foods Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2512 would let SNAP recipients buy hot, ready-to-eat foods — like deli meals or rotisserie chicken — which is currently not allowed.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would change federal law to allow SNAP benefits to be used for hot, ready-to-eat foods sold at stores. Right now, SNAP only covers foods meant to be prepared at home, so hot prepared items are not allowed. Under this bill, hot foods would be treated the same as any other SNAP-eligible food purchase.
Who does it affect?
SNAP recipients across the country would be affected, as would retailers that sell hot prepared foods. Stores where more than half of total sales come from hot ready-to-eat foods would not be allowed to participate as SNAP retailers under this rule.
Why does it matter?
Passing this bill would expand what SNAP recipients can purchase with their benefits. It would also change which stores are eligible to accept SNAP payments, depending on how much of their business comes from hot prepared foods.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 31, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 18, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.