In medium and maximum security prisons food is usually brought to the prisoners on carts and delivered by way of a “beanhole, or small tray sized slot cut in the metal door. Minimum security prisons are different. Many times, prisoners can see well into the kitchen and observe the food being prepared.
The food is prepared by other inmates, overseen by a couple guards and a line chef. It usually consists of things like nameless bulk chicken byproducts, potatoes, pasta, and bread. These are prepared in bulk by untrained cooks who are overworked and always under harassment by other inmates begging for extra food.
Each unit is called to the cafeteria for “chow out” in a predetermined manner. They are given just a few minutes to eat before the next unit comes in, or worse, before the gates are closed. After arriving, the must scan their ID to get a tray, and then select a place to sit. Certain tables belong to gangs or clicks and must be avoided. The only way to know which tables are which is by accident or inquisition.
The food is rarely good, and rarely warm. In fact, most public schools feed the students significantly better than prisoners are fed, and at a fraction of the cost. The same procedures could be implemented in prisons and could help significantly improve conditions.
Still, theft is common. Food is smuggled out of the kitchen on a regular basis, sometimes in return for compensation to the guards that are supposed to protect against that. Occasionally, items more illicit than food is smuggled in and through the prison kitchens. These people are usually caught, but it still happens fairly often.
In order to avoid prison food, prisoners will order off of canteen or commissary. This is done by filling out a form with items wanted. Canteen staff will deduct the funds from a trust account. Prisoners must then wait in line on the appointed day, sometimes a week or more after placing an order.
The prices are usually a lot higher, there is a small selection, and its rare to see name brands in the list. Still, its better than what is served in the cafeteria.
Cooking can come in a variety of ways. Sometimes there are microwaves available, other times prisoners have to make do with cooking with hot water. For those who have a little extra money, hot pots are available, but they are temperature regulated. Mostly though, its very difficult to cook in a cell or pod, so prisoners have to figure out innovative, and many times illegal ways of cooking.
Those with commissary funds and can get items from canteen run the risk of theft. Items, such as ramen noodles, become currency. Prisoners sell their “soups” for drugs or other hard to get items. If left unlocked, “duceheads” and other addicted people may find the food tempting. It is always a risk even in minimum security prisons.
Prisons are always looking for ways to reduce costs while at the same time providing at least the most basic services to inmates. While this is understandable, prison food is severely lacking. Between finding bones in meals and out of date canteen items, there is a lot of room for improvement. The best one can hope for is to prepare before arriving in prison.
While the food will provide basic needs, quality of life is severely degraded. Time in prison should be punishment enough without having to runways of getting decent food.
