Tag: Correctional facilities

According to a 2020 Impact Justice study, three out of four people surveyed reported being served spoiled food while incarcerated. Given such concerning statistics, many are left to wonder: is jail food safe to eat?

According to one systematic review, between 43% and 73% of incarcerated individuals report weight gain during their sentence, begging the question: How do prisoners get fat in jail? The answer is a complex issue driven by nutritional, psychological, and environmental factors.

In many correctional systems, the question of whether milk is served in jail has become complicated by budget cuts. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, for instance, often limits milk access to breakfast, while other facilities have replaced fresh dairy with powdered alternatives to save costs. This reflects a broader trend of balancing inmate nutritional needs with financial constraints.

With some states spending less than $3 per inmate per day on food, the reality of prison meals is often far from satisfying. This disparity raises serious questions about the nutritional value, portion sizes, and overall adequacy of how much do prisoners get to eat across the United States and worldwide.

In 2024, a study examining food service in Pennsylvania state prisons found that 80% of men and 70% of women reported being hungry every day between meals. This stark reality prompts a crucial question: what happens if you don't eat jail food?