Georgia prisons are facing a crisis with their food system, leaving inmates hungry and frustrated. The food served is often inadequate, with reports of rats, insects, and mold in the kitchen and on the trays. Inmates have resorted to stealing food from the kitchen, further reducing the already meager portions.

Consequences of Poor Food

The lack of nutritious food has led to malnutrition and related health problems, including gum disease and chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Georgia spends only about $1.69 per day on food for each inmate, far below the $10 per day recommended by the FDA for a nutritious diet.

The federal Bureau of Prisons is considering privatizing its food services, which could lead to similar problems in other prisons. The largest prison food contractor, Aramark, has faced criticism for serving unappetizing and contaminated food in several states.

The issue of poor prison food is not just a matter of inmate welfare, but also a concern for public safety. Hunger and frustration among inmates can lead to violence, which can have serious consequences for both inmates and correctional officers.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.