|
|
| Area jails make menus to satisfy nutritional requirements |
| By Lodi News-Sentinel (Calif.) |
| Published: 09/29/2003 |
|
A microwaved beef and bean burrito, a slice of calcium-enriched bread, a paper cup of milk and a second cup of tomato juice. That was the lunch served to 11 people being held at the Lodi city jail one day this week, and the breakfast and dinner menus only varied slightly. At the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp, kitchen workers prepared between 3,000 and 4,000 meals each day. There, meals range from hot dogs and beans to tacos, and all food is prepared daily. Across the state, all jails and prisons must meet nutritional requirements based on national Recommended Daily Allowance food standards. Daily state requirements include three 14-gram servings of protein, 16 fluid ounces of dairy products and five servings of fruits or vegetables. In addition, jail and prison officials make allowances for those with special health diets or inmates whose religious beliefs limit the food they may eat. "It protects counties from being sued for cruel and unusual punishment of inmates. So long as you meet the recommended daily allowances, you are protected from lawsuits," said Jerry Read, field representative for the state Board of Corrections. Food is occasionally used as a management tool, too, Read said. Even with the dietary guidelines, inmates who violate jail or prison rules can be put on a 72-hour diet that consists only of water and a special loaf. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think