What Are We Feeding Our Inmates?

Abstract

The current economic downturn has caused some states to consider serving inmates less food to save money. Because South Carolina has been reported to have the lowest meal costs at $1.13/day per inmate, this study analyzed nutritional value of its prison meals. Menus were obtained from the South Carolina Department of Corrections and a county detention center. Analysis of adherence to Dietary Reference Intake recommendations revealed higher levels of cholesterol, sodium, and sugar and lower levels of fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin E than recommended. Increasing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and reducing sodium and sugar in inmate meals may improve health, decrease chronic disease, reduce medical costs, and benefit taxpayers.