A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to use their benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chicken from grocery stores.

The proposed "Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act" would amend the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act by modifying the definition of eligible food items to specifically include hot rotisserie chicken, according to a joint statement from the sponsors.

Currently, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot, prepared foods from grocery stores, including items like rotisserie chicken from deli counters. The restriction is part of existing program rules that generally limit SNAP purchases to cold, unprepared food items that recipients can take home and prepare themselves.

The legislation represents an effort to expand food options available to SNAP recipients while maintaining the program's focus on providing nutritional assistance. Rotisserie chicken is often considered a convenient and relatively affordable protein option for families.

The bill's introduction comes as grocery stores have increasingly emphasized their hot food offerings, with many chains expanding prepared food sections to meet consumer demand for convenient meal options.