– Missouri’s prison-grown produce mainly goes to local charities, not the prisoners.
– Prisoners are served portions they believe are below par and unappetizing.
– The quality of food reportedly worsened after a private company took the reins of catering.
Missouri’s Prison Gardens: Much Fruit, Little Benefit for Those Who Cultivate Them
Missouri’s prisons are blossoming with extensive vegetable gardens courtesy of the volunteer labor from prisoners. From these gardens, about 100 tons of fresh veggies are harvested annually; however, complaints have arisen that the fruits of their labor are not benefiting the prisoners. Instead, the produce is packed off and distributed to local charities across the state.
From Greens to Bologna: Prisoner’s Plate Predicament
The prisoners, who spent hours tending to the gardens, reportedly are served meals they consider less than satisfactory. According to the inmates, their meals usually consist of bologna, presented in unattractive and minimal portions. The dissatisfaction with the food served in these penitentiaries has been pronounced since the catering services were handed over to a private contractor, with many inmates suggesting that the quality of food has dramatically declined.
The Breezy Take
While the initiative to produce plentiful vegetables that benefit local charities is admirable, it’s important not to overlook the needs of the very individuals cultivating the produce – the inmates. Their concerns over the quality and quantity of their meals indicate a potential issue with the privatisation of prison food services and raise questions about whether their basic dietary needs are being sufficiently addressed. Without a doubt, it’s an issue that needs a bigger serving of attention.
Original article: https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/10/04/missouri-department-of-corrections-aramark-contract/