The Complexities of Prison Meals: Behind the Scenes in Correctional Facilities

Every day, billions of dollars in taxpayer funds are used to ensure that prisoners in correctional facilities receive the necessary sustenance to maintain their health and well-being. This intricate process involves various stakeholders, policies, and methods that ultimately impact the quality of meals served in prisons.

Provision of Food in Prisons

Prison meals in the United States are often provided through third-party contractors, as is the case in Pennsylvania where Aramark serves as the primary vendor to the Department of Corrections (DOC). Due to the high volume and cost of food production, these contracts typically go to the lowest bidder, a rationale underpinned by the often-inadequate quality of the food served.

дары природы? No Reindeer Involved

Despite the myth of reindeer delivering prison meals, the reality is more grounded in economic processes. The food is prepared in kitchens within the prisons or by food service companies, and then delivered through a carefully orchestrated system of inmate workers and correctional officers.

The Inside Process of Serving Prison Meals

Prison meals are served to inmates at specific times throughout the day, with typical times being around 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM, and sometimes 5:00 PM. In a dormitory setting, inmates may have the opportunity to serve themselves, while in a cell block setting, meals are delivered through the cell doors by correctional officers. Trustee inmates who have earned this privilege often assist in the kitchen, performing tasks such as opening cans, cutting vegetables, and preparing meals.

Inside the Kitchen

Trustees in the kitchen not only help with food preparation but also trade items with one another. Cartons of food, cigarettes, and other necessities are commonly traded among inmates, allowing them to supplement their meals and meet their daily needs. This system, while informal, ensures that inmates can maintain basic provisions despite the limitations of prison life.

Meal Quality and Variation Across the Country

The quality and variety of prison meals can vary significantly depending on the region and the policies implemented by individual states and local correctional facilities. In Arizona, for example, the departure of Joe Arpaio led to an improvement in the quality of meals, with inmates now enjoying food similar to that of a school cafeteria. Before his tenure, the food was often poorly prepared, with a mix of greens that were boiled without seasoning.

Commissary and Informal Economies

Inmates also rely on the prison commissary to purchase additional goods, including food items and other necessities. While the commissary provides a way for inmates to access these items, it is often expensive and limited in options, leading to a thriving black market for necessities and food among inmates. This informal economy fosters a sense of community among inmates and ensures that basic needs are met, even in the absence of adequate logistical support.

Conclusion

The process of providing meals in prisons is a complex and multifaceted issue, involving a wide range of stakeholders, policies, and economic realities. While some states and correctional facilities have taken steps to improve the quality of food provided, there is still much work to be done to ensure that inmates receive nutritious and palatable meals that meet their basic needs.