Viewpoints Explained: Why Prison Meals Fall Short

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The U.S. Prison population is made up of almost two million people. The average time served by state prisoners is about 2.7 years, according to a 2018 study by the Bureau Of Justice Statistics. During this time, many inmates are subjected to lackluster meals that barely nourish the body.

Some of the common entrees and sides include bologna sandwiches, boiled hot dogs, plain white bread, grits, canned fruit in syrup or a steamed cup of sad-looking vegetables like green beans or carrots. Often, these assembled trays are very high in salt, sugar, fats and carbs. What’s commonly missing is sufficient protein and vegetables. In 2020, the organization, impact justice surveyed about 250 former inmates across 41 states. The study found that two-thirds of respondents rarely or never had access to fresh vegetables. Three-fourths had been served spoiled or rotten food. And lastly, 94 percent said they also never felt full after eating one of these meals.

If the ultimate goal of incarceration is rehabilitation, then the meals prisoners eat should be palatable and nutritious. Food, after all, makes a big difference when it comes to physical and mental health.

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