U.S. Senator Michael Bennet recently introduced the Hot Foods Act, which would lift the existing ban on hot foods in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Hunger Free Colorado and Nourish Colorado have led efforts in the state to advocate for greater access for families and individuals to purchase cold-prepared foods, heated foods, and hot meals using SNAP benefits.
As part of his announcement, Sen. Bennet said: “SNAP is one of the most effective tools for reducing food insecurity and combating poverty. It’s past time that Congress cuts unnecessary red tape in the program that prevents Americans from using their SNAP benefits to buy prepared and hot foods to feed their families. This bill will make things a little easier for working families, single parents, people with disabilities, and seniors to put food on the table — and I’ll work with anyone in Congress to fight hunger and poverty in every way we can.” Read more in Sen. Bennet’s press release or some of the news coverage like The Cortez Journal and KOAA in the Pikes Peak region.
The Hot Foods Act will be considered as part of the 2023 Farm Bill, which Congress is currently writing. If you want to help advocate for this act, please contact Becca Gredone of Nourish Colorado and get involved with Hunger Free Colorado’s efforts.
