Being a foodservice director in correctional institutions may not seem different from overseeing food in another industry; however, in a correctional environment, many unique considerations must be taken when dealing with the workforce, meal choices and equipment used.
How Correctional Foodservice Has Changed
Foodservice in the correctional industry is an around-the-clock procedure. With 2.3 million people in the United States criminal justice system eating three times a day, seven days a week, much work goes into correctional meals.
Trends in the correctional foodservice industry happen just as they do in the rest of foodservice. According to Foodservice Equipment Reports, more correctional facilities are working with nutritionists to serve healthier foods and bringing meal production in-house to use less pre-packaged meals. Both trends help with incarcerated individuals' dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons.
Correctional Foodservice Challenges and Solutions
Replacing aging equipment in correctional facilities is always a challenge. Officials need to work within budgeting constraints. Equipment needs to be modified for safety reasons and have features that don't allow for removable parts. Most staff working in the kitchens are incarcerated at the facility, which is another challenge officials have since hot and sharp items are in a kitchen setting.
Dealing with these issues seems insurmountable. Preparing food for incarcerated individuals is no different from preparing food for other customers in traditional restaurants, but purchasing commercial kitchen equipment specifically modified for prisons and jails eliminates security challenges to help keep everyone safe.
What is a "Prison Package Option?"
Using foodservice equipment created for prisons and jails means that the equipment is tailored to be used and operated by incarcerated individuals.
Traditionally called a 'prison package option,' these pieces of equipment are built to deter the removal of pieces and provide safety features not included in other foodservice kitchen equipment.
Prisons often purchase the same equipment sold to facilities such as schools, restaurants or hotels, but the prison package option provides modifications with safety features such as:
- Heated holding transport cabinets that have heat systems mounted on top of the unit to help prevent tampering
- Rack removal prevention
- Lockable control covers and tamper-resistant screws
- Ovens that have safety release leavers inside and protected glass door windows
Purchasing commercial kitchen equipment that includes prison package options helps save staff time and money and protects everyone onsite from potential safety violations.
Does your jail or prison need to upgrade its commissary equipment? Schedule time to meet with our team to learn more about the top brands that offer prison package options.
