The Reality of Inmates' Food in Prisons

Prison food has long been a controversial topic, with inmates often expressing dissatisfaction and frustration with their meals. In many facilities, prisoners receive simple and often unhealthy fare, while others have the option to improve their diet through commissary purchases. This article explores the varying experiences of inmates in terms of their food intake, focusing on institutional offerings versus commissary options.

Institutional Food in Prisons

Typically, inmates in most prisons are provided basic meals that often include bread, punch or tea, and a meat substitute that can be quite unappetizing. These meals are designed to meet basic nutritional requirements but often fail to satisfy hunger or provide substantial nutrients. It is not uncommon for inmates to stand in lines outside the men’s room due to the unappealing nature of the food, which sometimes makes them feel physically unwell.

Occasionally, on a better day, inmates might receive a cookie or cake, and with certain incentives, they may even get an ice cream treat. However, these occurrences are rare and often dependent on the facility's policies and the availability of funds.

The Role of Commissary in Enhancing Inmates' Diet

Prison commissaries offer a way for inmates to enhance their diet through the purchase of various foods. While not all of these items are necessarily healthy, they provide a stark contrast to the institutional meals. Inmates can use commissary funds to buy a range of processed and packaged foods that may not be as nutritious but can be more satisfying and varied.

One way inmates can supplement their diet is by trading goods like cigarette packs or cartons among themselves. Money, in the form of commissary funds, can be scarce, and trading becomes a form of barter to share resources. However, this system has its drawbacks, as it can lead to significant disparities in the quality of food available to different inmates.

Personal Experiences and Insights

One inmate expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to eat better food, citing a visit to McDonald’s as a rare treat. While such experiences might be infrequent, they highlight the importance of providing inmates with better food options. The inmate shared that when the bus stopped during a visit, the whole family would go for 'Family Day' at the prison's commissary, where they enjoyed music and a feast. These events provide a sense of normalcy and pleasure for the inmates.

Another inmate's experience in Arizona serves as an example of improved prison food quality since the departure of Joe Arpaio. Arpaio was known for serving prison meals that were often indistinct mixtures of boiled greens and lacked basic condiments like salt and pepper. Since then, prison meals have improved, resembling those of a school cafeteria, with more varied and palatable options.

Ad Seg and Food Distribution

At facilities like Ad Seg, where food is distributed in a dormitory setting, inmates are given a cart of food to share. This communal dining experience can vary widely in quality. Often, the food served is a mix of poor quality meats and insufficient calorie content, which can lead to significant weight loss among inmates.

One inmate shared his experience of losing 35 lbs in just 103 days due to the meager and unpalatable food in Ad Seg. This highlights the serious health risks that come with substandard prison food. For those with loved ones incarcerated, it is advised to keep commissary funds available as a way to provide inmates with better and more nutritious options.

Conclusion

Overall, prison food can be a mix of basic sustenance and occasional opportunities for better nourishment through commissary purchases. For inmates, the quality of food can significantly impact their health and well-being. While institutional food remains a staple, commissary options offer a lifeline to better nutrition and improved living conditions within the prison environment.