justiceaction

A proposal for prisoners
to take control of the kitchen

Justice Action has put to the NSW Department of Corrective Services that prisoners have the option of preparing their own food in their units. There are several different models possible, including cooking individually, in groups or by a delegated few, with consideration given to each unit's interests or culture.

Prisoners are really excited at the prospect, jail governors have no objection, but the Department of Corrective Services' view regarding this project is entirely negative. Instead it wishes to close down even the big kitchens in maximum security wherever they can; if they can obtain cheaper rates from a local hospital for cookchill meals (microwave style). Corrective Service Industries is doing an assessment (controlled by Operations) on the idea of Cessnock Jail being supplied food by Silverwater Jail's cookchill. On initial results it costs $9 a meal from the local hospital cookchill compared to fresh prison cooking at $7. However, unit cooking will continue in minimum security.

INMATE HEALTH SURVEY

One of the most comprehensive prisoner health surveys ever conducted, the Preliminary Findings from the Inmate Health Survey was published in November 1997 by Tony Butler from Corrections Health Service. It revealed, that on the fundamental issue of diet and nutrition, there were most resounding criticisms. Even the most basic needs are not being met. The extent of the problem with prison diet is illustrated by the fact that "less than 10% of males and females stated they were satisfied with prison food". Prisoners' complaints were many and varied, the most outstanding being that 28% of the male prisoners were concerned that food was not properly cooked. Other common complaints refer to the lack of variety, poor quality, that the food is too fatty or oily, it is lacking in nutritional value, it is tasteless, and the portions they receive are too small. It is common for prisoners to supplement an inadequate diet by buying extra food. About 25% of male prisoners buy eggs, noodles, meat, and pasta/rice. These are not extravagant foods, they are basic items that prisoners are requiring.

Consideration needs to be given to the high level of poverty amongst prisoners. Many prisoners are unable to afford buying extra food, nor should they have to. Other problems with diet involved those with special needs. Of the prisoners surveyed there were 24 women and 54 men requiring special diets, for example, diabetics, vegetarians, people needing high fibre or gluten free diets. Approximately 40% of these prisoners stated they have encountered problems receiving their special diet. The most common reasons were that the kitchen forgets or portions were too small. Clearly there is a need for a change!!

THE BENEFITS

Prisoners have expressed their pleasure and satisfaction when involved in their own food preparation. This is happening in some jails, has happened in the past, and offers substantial benefits to all, including:

reducing waste and government costs
satisfying prisonersÍ concerns, for example, food being prepared and cooked hygienically
improving health status, by receiving a palatable, balanced diet with satisfying portions and meeting individual needs
improving, or reinforcing living skills that increase independence
with the involvement of TAFE, prisoners have the option of gaining valuable kitchen skills that could lead to future employment
learning about food preparation provides a valuable medium for functional literacy, an area of need in prisons
learning about nutrition through involvement in food preparation could lead to a healthier diet after release from prison (lack of knowledge about good nutrition is common amongst people who fit the demographic profile of prisoners)
providing productive activity
returning a degree of control to the prisoner over their living environment.

It is time that this project sees light and the Department of Corrective Services recognizes the benefits for all with the implementation of the food proposal. We request that this human right and basic health issue take top priority in all health discussions.

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ICOPA website for more information: www.interlog.com/~ritten/icopa.html