What are we feeding our inmates?

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Economic downturns prompt cost-saving measures in correctional facilities, including reduced food budgets.
• South Carolina (SC) Department of Corrections reported the lowest inmate meal costs ($1.13/day), necessitating nutritional evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the nutritional content of meals served in South Carolina correctional facilities.
• To assess adherence to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendations for inmate diets.

Main Methods:

• Acquired inmate menus from the SC Department of Corrections and a county detention center.
• Analyzed menus for nutritional content, comparing them against established DRI recommendations.

Main Results:

• SC prison meals exhibited elevated levels of cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.
• Meals were deficient in fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin E compared to DRIs.
• Identified significant nutritional gaps in the current inmate meal provisions.

Conclusions:

• Current inmate meal composition in SC does not meet recommended nutritional standards.
• Dietary improvements, including increased fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are recommended.
• Reducing sodium and sugar intake may improve inmate health, lower chronic disease rates, and decrease healthcare expenditures.