Poor Prison Food Infringes on Inmate Rights
Thu, Jun 24, 2010
California easily has some of the worst prison conditions in the nation. Massive overcrowding is just one of the problems that the state is struggling to cope with, but much like an ostrich with its head in the sand, the state refuses to believe this problem exists. Add to that a growing problem with poor quality prison food that’s low in nutrition, low in taste, and supposedly, high in cost efficiency.
Budget cuts across the state have become a fact of life for many Californians. These cuts have also infiltrated down into the prison system, where the food is getting progressively inedible. Any criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles or inmate rights advocate will tell you that most prison riots are caused because of hungry and aggressive prisoners. A well fed prisoner is less likely to indulge in fights, or incite riots. In 1971, prisoners at New York’s Attica prison rioted in a carnage that resulted in 43 deaths. It was America’s deadliest prison riot, and was linked to the poor quality meals served at the prison.
Since then, prison rights advocates have been able to advocate for more nutritious meals that are a blend of calories and nutrients. Prisons now come with cleaner kitchens, and prisoners with health issues can have low-fat as well as low-sodium meals. However, inmate rights groups allege that budget cuts have led to leaner menus in prisons. There are fewer hot meals being served, and the portions are getting smaller. Also in order to cut down on costs, more and more prisons in California are turning to packaged foods that have a bland taste and minimal nutritional value. Besides, prisons don’t offer diabetic-friendly meals and don’t take into consideration food allergies. County jails have some of the worst food that inmates can be expected to eat.
Unfortunately, we never hear about how budget cuts affect prison inmates. These are not glamorous issues that tug at your heartstrings . That’s why it’s important that Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys continue to bring attention to this prison health and safety issue.
Thank you for this article. I know I’m not alone out here fighting for better food in prisons.
The discrepancy of what each prison serves is amazing. At one prison inmates are given 2 biscuits and gravy for breakfast at times, while at another they are given only 1 smaller biscuit with gravy.
At one prison, inmates are given a small fruit (even though they are supposed to be receiving a medium fruit) while at another prison they do not get fruit in their lunches.
Many of these issues and comments from others are covered on my website.
Ooooohhhh, my bleeding heart! what do you think jail is? a hotel?? jail is P-U-N-I-S-H-M-E-N-T!