The Real Cost of Prisons Weblog

Copyright 2004 VNU Business Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Food Service Director
October 15, 2004

The business of feeding inmates in U.S. prisons gives new meaning to the phrase "opposites attract." For once again, the inmate population increased in 2003, while total food expenditures at 50 state departments of correction fell 2%. In fact, foodservice officials in prisons pursue food costs per-inmate-day of $2 and lower aggressively, and, when they achieve that goal, proudly wear it as a badge of honor.

Mark of distinction: Food costs per-inmate-day at the 50 states rose 22% last year, from $2.26 to $2.75. But "because of good management practices of the foodservice managers in our 30 kitchens," states Barbara Holly, foodservice administrator for the Alabama Dept. of Corrections and current president of the American Correctional Foodservice Association, "we have managed to keep the lowest raw-food cost of any other DOC."

Census figures support that claim: In 2003, Alabama's daily expenditure was $1.12, besting every other state. In fact, eight states report daily food costs of under $2 for 2003.

But what Holly says about conditions in her state arguably apply to the rest of the market. "Due to the poor economy, most of our state agencies had to reduce their operating expense by 18%. We need updated facilities and additional staff. Much of our foodservice equipment is in dire need of being replaced but monies are not available. We replace equipment when it dies."

Federal growth: Activity within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBP) tells a somewhat different story, coinciding with the government's efforts to increase "homeland security" and the substantial increase in operations at the U.S. federal prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. That system of 102 facilities increased spending on food and other foodservice supplies on an inmate population that rose 7% last year.

Food costs per-inmate-day stayed fixed at $2.66 in the federal system, but because the population rose, total food expenditures increased 14% while the total foodservice budget rose almost 2%.

November 9, 2004 Copyright 2004 VNU Business Media, Inc.
Food Service Director October 15, 2004

ABOUT THE CENSUS: Findings in the 2003 Correctional Foodservice Census and Performance Report are based on a survey of all 50 state departments of correction and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. VNU Foodservice Network's Research Department commissioned this study, which took place last summer. Respondents provided budget breakdowns for food, equipment and construction costs, plus facility and inmate counts.