Here are 10 things you should know
about prison food and cooking:
1. The
Quality Of Prison Food Varies
Prison food is notoriously bland and
low in quality. Most correctional facilities serve mass-produced meals that
prioritize cost efficiency over taste and nutrition. While some prisons have
improved their food programs, many still provide meals that lack essential
nutrients and variety. Overcrowding and budget cuts often lead to subpar food
that barely meets dietary requirements.
2.
Nutritional Value Is Often Lacking
Most prison meals are high in
carbohydrates and low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein. To keep costs
down, facilities rely on processed foods and fillers like rice, beans, and
pasta. While some prisons provide special diets for medical or religious
reasons, the general meal plan often fails to meet daily nutritional needs,
leading to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition.
Image Source: Pixabay
3. Common
Prison Meals And Ingredients
A typical prison menu consists of
items like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and toast for breakfast, followed by a
lunch and dinner menu of bologna sandwiches, mystery meat, instant mashed
potatoes, and canned vegetables. Some prisons serve a “loaf” (a compressed mix
of various food items) as a disciplinary measure. Incarcerated individuals
often describe these meals as tasteless, repetitive, and unappetizing.
4. How And
When Food Is Served
Food is usually served three times a
day in the prison chow hall, with specific mealtimes that vary by facility.
Meals are scheduled within a tight timeframe, often giving prisoners only 10 to
15 minutes to eat before they must clear the dining area. If an incarcerated
individual misses a meal due to work assignments or disciplinary actions, they
may have to wait until the next scheduled mealtime or rely on commissary food.
5. Prison
Kitchen Jobs And Duties
Many incarcerated individuals work
in the prison kitchen, helping to prepare and serve food. These jobs are often
among the better-paying prison work assignments, although wages are still
extremely low. Kitchen duties include chopping vegetables, washing dishes,
serving food, and cleaning up after meals. Some prisoners enjoy the work
because it provides access to slightly better food and occasional extra
portions.
6. Mess Hall
Culture And Food Conflicts
The prison chow hall is more than
just a place to eat—it’s a social space where tensions can run high. Incarcerated
individuals often sit according to race or gang affiliations, and conflicts can
arise over seating arrangements, portion sizes, or perceived disrespect. Food
fights and altercations are not uncommon, and guards closely monitor the dining
area to prevent violence.
7. Can
Prisoners Cook In Their Cells?
While most prisoners cannot cook
full meals in their cells, they often find creative ways to prepare food using
limited resources. Hot water from sinks or stingers (homemade heating devices)
is used to make instant ramen, oatmeal, or coffee. Some incarcerated
individuals craft makeshift grills using metal pieces and electric outlets to
heat commissary food items like summer sausage or tortillas.
8.
Commissary Food And Creative Cooking
The prison commissary allows incarcerated
individuals to purchase snacks and food items like ramen noodles, canned tuna,
peanut butter, chips, and candy. These items serve as the foundation for many incarcerated
individual-made meals. Prisoners get creative by combining ingredients to make
dishes like “prison burritos” (crushed chips, meat sticks, and hot sauce
wrapped in a tortilla) or “spread” (a mixture of ramen, cheese, and other
commissary items).
9. Strangest
And Worst Prison Foods
Some of the strangest prison meals
include “nutraloaf” (a dense loaf containing all the daily nutrients in an
unappetizing brick form) and “prison surprise” (leftovers from previous meals
mixed together). The worst prison foods often involve mystery meats, expired
milk, or severely overcooked vegetables. Many incarcerated individuals describe
the food as barely edible, leading some to skip meals altogether or rely on
commissary food.
10. Visitors
And Vending Machine Food
During visitations, some prisons
allow incarcerated individuals to purchase food from vending machines, which
can be a rare treat compared to the usual prison fare. Options may include
packaged sandwiches, chips, candy, or microwaveable meals. For many
incarcerated individuals, sharing a meal from a vending machine with a visitor
is a cherished moment of normalcy in an otherwise restricted environment.
Image Source: Pixabay
Conclusion
Prison food is often a source of
complaints, but for incarcerated individuals, it’s a daily reality. The
quality, nutrition, and availability of food can significantly impact
prisoners’ health and well-being. Despite the limitations, incarcerated
individuals find ways to make the best of their circumstances through
creativity and communal cooking. Learning the realities of prison food sheds
light on broader issues within the criminal justice system and the need for
reforms to improve living conditions for those behind bars.
References
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/06/02/531234678/whats-in-a-prison-meal
https://spoonuniversity.com/school/bryant/heres-what-you-didnt-know-about-prison-food/
https://www.penalreform.org/blog/prisons-and-food-from-in-cell-eating-and/