Prison conditions
Food in Georgia's prisons: cost, production, inspections, complaints
Cost, production, inspections and complaints about food in Georgia's prisons.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 5 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget sat near $1.1 billion for roughly eight years, then climbed 57 percent to a $1.91 billion peak in fiscal year 2025 before settling at $1.745 billion for fiscal year 2027. The money went overwhelmingly to health care contracts, locking systems, cameras, and bed capacity — not to education, rehabilitation, or independent oversight. Across two budget cycles GPS can document roughly $27.1 million in new surveillance and security spending against about $1.2 million in new rehabilitation spending, a ratio of about 22 to 1.
12,394 data points
Facility Conditions & Infrastructure
Georgia's prison system is a physically failing estate: buildings averaging more than 30 years old, a maintenance record in which the state's own auditors found that funding availability — not need — drove repairs, and a documented pattern of doors that do not lock, plumbing that does not carry waste, and housing that does not cool. Two state-commissioned studies and a federal civil rights investigation agree on the diagnosis. They disagree sharply on how overcrowded the system actually is, because Georgia publishes at least four different capacity figures for the same prison. This page sets out what the record shows about the physical plant, what the state has committed to spend on it, and what remains undocumented.
12,892 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia runs one of the nation's largest prison systems with no independent body empowered to inspect it, no ombudsman outside the Department of Corrections, and no public reporting requirement attached to the $600 million it has been voted for prison spending. A six-year federal civil rights investigation found constitutional violations across the system in October 2024 and recommended 82 remedial measures; more than 230 days after its 49-day litigation deadline expired, no one had been arrested, fired, or sued as a result. What remains is a closed loop in which the department investigates its own deaths, codes its own mortality data, disciplines — or does not discipline — its own staff, and classifies its investigative files as confidential state secrets.
20,251 data points
Prison Nutrition in Georgia
Food adequacy, meal cost, commissary substitution, and nutrition-related health harms in Georgia prisons.
934 data points
Scores Without Sanitation: Why Georgia's Prison Food-Safety Numbers Don't Reflect What Inmates Eat From
Georgia now publishes DPH food-safety inspection scores on every prison facility page. Those scores grade kitchen compliance on inspection day — storage, temperatures, pest control, handwashing — not tray sanitation at the point of service. GPS reporting has documented broken dishwashers at state prisons across Georgia, with trays going out wet, stacked, and visibly moldy even at facilities that score in the 80s and 90s. Scores also swing sharply between visits (Pulaski moved from 67 to 96 in a week), and three state prisons have no inspection record in the public portal at all. This is not an allegation of inspector misconduct. It is a documented structural gap in the public food-safety signal, and the people eating off those trays have no way to close it themselves. Keywords: food safety reliable reliability, food safety inspection, food safety inspections, food safety reliability, prison food safety scores, DPH inspection limitations, tray sanitation accountability, reliable prison food inspections.
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding and its source.
The finding
GDC SOP 409.04.02 states the Master Menu should consist of two hot meals served within a 24-hour period with no more than 14 hours between the evening meal and breakfast meal, which also applies when only two meals are served.
The finding
The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that incarcerated people reported staff had shut off the water supply to a man's cell, closed the flap, and 'did not deliver meals to him,' and that his cause of death was dehydration with renal failure.
The finding
The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that as an officer entered a housing unit at Macon State Prison to collect the dinner trays, four incarcerated individuals who were members of the Bloods gang moved past her, ran to the kitchen area, and stabbed an incarcerated person working there, who later died.
The finding
GDC Islamic (Muslim) Guidelines SOP states that offenders observing Ramadan who are placed in Administrative Segregation or Disciplinary Isolation will be served the Ramadan meals the same as those in general population, and that food is not to be used as a disciplinary sanction for an individual offender.
The finding
A State Auditor review of GDC's food program found that 'the cost to feed an inmate in Georgia was $2.85 per day, which includes all costs associated with providing meals, such as farm costs, cafeteria labor in the facilities, additional food purchases, and maintenance and repair of equipment.'
The finding
GDC Food Service Workers SOP requires an initial medical screening of an offender prior to enrollment in the food service work program, and states offenders will not be excluded from food service assignment on the basis of history of a communicable disease that is not transmitted through food handling, such as Hepatitis B or HIV infection.
The finding
GDC's Annual Fiscal Report states its Food & Farm Division 'has been able to lower its food cost from $1.60 to $1.50 or less, over the last two fiscal years.'
The finding
A trade-press article reported that in Georgia, 43 percent of the food served to 60,000 inmates in 86 facilities was grown on the Department of Corrections' eight farms comprising 14,136 acres, and that the farms produced 100 percent of the beef, pork, eggs and milk used.
All Data Points
129 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Master Menu reviewed annually and certified by dietitian Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.02 states the Master Menu is reviewed annually and certified as to proper nutritional content by Food and Farm Service's Central Office Registered Dietitian.
Aramark food service worker fatally shot by inmate at Smith State Prison Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Jaydrekus Hart, an inmate, shot and killed an Aramark food service employee while she was working in the Smith State Prison kitchen at 4:30 a.m., according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The inmate then shot himself and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Georgia prison farms acreage and food production share Statistic
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution article reported that Georgia inmates worked six Corrections Department farms totaling 14,150 acres, providing prisons with 43 percent of their food.
14,150 acres vs. 43 percent of prison food provided
Georgia prison food system is state-run, unlike 17 states using Aramark Finding
The Marshall Project reported that Georgia's corrections department food system is state-run, while for-profit prison food contractors such as Aramark feed prisoners in seventeen other states, according to a report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Meal schedule: three meals weekdays, two on weekends/holidays Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.02 states there will be three meals served Monday through Friday and two meals served on Saturday, Sunday, and on state holidays.
GCI utilized 43-44% of own manufactured products in offender menu in FY2017 Statistic
In FY 2017, GCI utilized almost 44 percent of its own manufactured products within the offender menu, its highest utilization rate in the past four fiscal years, while having lowered its food cost from $1.60 to $1.50 or less over the prior two fiscal years.
44% vs. 43 percent utilization
Food & Farm budget allocation FY2016: $28,067,166 (2.3% of total) Statistic
GDC's Annual Operating Budget (AOB), appropriated by House Bill 76, allocated 'Food & Farm $28,067,166 2.3%' of the total budget.
$28.1M USD vs. 2.3 percent of total budget
Georgia Correctional Industries factories and prisons Statistic
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution article reported that Georgia Correctional Industries, a prison-run entity, ran 18 factories in 15 prisons.
18 factories vs. 15 prisons
Gordon County jail meal: $1.77 average, 2,818 calories, no lunch Statistic
The Marshall Project's reconstruction of a Georgia jail meal in Gordon County priced the average meal at $1.77 for inmates fed twice a day with no lunch served; the same source lists 2,818 calories per day.
$1.77
No match for Georgia prison content in gastroenterology expert-review case study Data gap
A search of the Expert Institute case study 'Court Reviews Gastroenterology Expert's Opinion on Viral Infection Transmission Within Correctional Facility' for the terms 'Georgia', 'Georgia Department of Corrections', and 'state prison' returned no match, so it provides no Georgia-specific data on prison food or disease transmission.
Two hot meals within 24 hours, max 14 hours between evening and breakfast Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.02 states the Master Menu should consist of two hot meals served within a 24-hour period with no more than 14 hours between the evening meal and breakfast meal, which also applies when only two meals are served.
GDC has three major livestock units at Rogers State Prison Farm Finding
GDC has three major livestock units at Rogers State Prison Farm in Reidsville, Georgia: beef cattle, swine and dairy operations.
Food & Farm budget FY2018: $27,608,063 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report 'Appropriation by Program' table lists 'Food & Farm $27,608,063'.
$27.6M USD
Direct food cost per offender per day FY2022-FY2025 Statistic
The Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget's FY 2027 Performance Measures Report lists, under Department of Corrections 'Food and Farm Operations,' the performance measure 'Cost per day per offender (direct food cost)' as $1.85 (FY2022), $2.18 (FY2023), $2.26 (FY2024), and $2.08 (FY2025).
$2.08 USD per day vs. 1.9 FY2022 value
Gordon County jail daily calorie allotment Statistic
The Marshall Project's reconstruction of a Georgia jail meal in Gordon County lists 2,818 calories per day for inmates fed twice a day with no lunch served.
2,818 calories per day
No match for cook-chill terms on GCI operations page Data gap
A search of gci-ga.com/operations.html for the terms 'cook chill', 'cook-chill', and 'chill process' returned no match, leaving no documentary basis in this source for describing GCI's food-production methods in Georgia prisons.
Therapeutic diets provided if deemed necessary by physician Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.02 states therapeutic diets will be provided if deemed necessary by a physician, and the diets prescribed are those approved by Food and Farm Service's Central Office Registered Dietitian.
DOJ: Incarcerated person at Smith State Prison killed food-service worker with contraband gun Case detail
The DOJ's October 2024 Georgia prisons findings report states that in June 2024, an incarcerated person at Smith State Prison used a contraband gun to kill a food-service worker and then take his own life.
GCI Food Distribution Unit freezer repair/construction began March 2018 Policy
In March 2018, GCI began repair/construction on the Food Distribution Unit (FDU) Freezer, which was intended to allow GCI to house more manufactured beef and chicken products, with repairs scheduled to be completed by September 2018.
Inmate fatally shot food service worker in Georgia prison kitchen, then killed himself Case detail
According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate Jaydrekus Hart fatally shot a food service worker in the prison's kitchen at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, then used the gun to kill himself.
Disciplinary isolation receives same meals as general population Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.02 states each individual in disciplinary isolation is to receive the same meals served to the general population and in accordance with the Master Menu.
DOJ: Coroner found food trays strewn about cell after death in restrictive housing at Calhoun State Prison Case detail
The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that after a man died in restrictive housing at Calhoun State Prison, the coroner reported that the incarcerated person's cell was a mess, with 'food trays strewn about.'
Kemp budget proposed 4% raise for food service staff Policy
Gov. Kemp's corrections budget plan included several million dollars for a 4% salary increase for correctional officers and staff working in education, chaplain, food service and maintenance.
SOP 409.04.02 cites ACA Standards Legal fact
GDC SOP 409.04.02 cites multiple ACA Standards as authority including 2-CO-4C-01, 1-CTA-3D-03, 5-ACI-5C-04 (ref. 4-4316, Mandatory), 5-ACI-5C-05 (ref. 4-4317), 5-ACI-5C-08 (ref. 4-4320), and 5-ACI-5C-16 (ref. 4-4328).
DOJ: Incarcerated people reported staff shut off water and did not deliver meals before death by dehydration Case detail
The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that incarcerated people reported staff had shut off the water supply to a man's cell, closed the flap, and 'did not deliver meals to him,' and that his cause of death was dehydration with renal failure.
GDC Food Service Staff policy supervision responsibilities Policy
GDC's Food Service Staff policy (SOP 409.04.12) states that the Food Service Director is responsible for the direct supervision of the entire food service operation in each facility, with Food Service Managers, Supervisors, and Employee Seniors providing general supervision of the food service operation at each facility.
Disciplinary isolation meal requirements per Board rule Legal fact
GDC Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-2-.10 requires that an inmate in Disciplinary Isolation be provided a breakfast, noon and evening meal similar to those served to the general population, with three meals of which two are hot served within a 24-hour period with no more than 14 hours between the evening meal and breakfast, variations allowed on weekends and holidays if nutritional goals are met, and states food is not to be used as a disciplinary sanction for an individual inmate.
DOJ: Bloods gang members stabbed kitchen worker during dinner tray collection at Macon State Prison Case detail
The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that as an officer entered a housing unit at Macon State Prison to collect the dinner trays, four incarcerated individuals who were members of the Bloods gang moved past her, ran to the kitchen area, and stabbed an incarcerated person working there, who later died.
GCI uses 330,000 gallons of raw milk annually, produces 17 million half pints Statistic
GCI uses approximately 330,000 gallons of raw milk annually and produces 17 million half pints for weekly deliveries to correctional facilities statewide, in three varieties: 2% white, 2% chocolate.
330,000 gallons
Source
GDC Food Service Staff policy monthly meeting topic: vacancies and offender quotas Policy
GDC's Food Service Staff policy (SOP 409.04.12) lists 'Vacancies and offender quotas' as a suggested topic for the Food Service Director's monthly staff meeting minutes.
Three meals daily required; weekends/holidays at warden's discretion Legal fact
GDC Board of Corrections Rule 125-4-3-.04 requires each institution to provide assigned inmates three meals daily, with either two or three meals allowed on Friday, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays at the Warden/Superintendent's discretion.
GCI dairy produced 17,590,386 half pints of milk in FY24 Statistic
GDC's GCI Dairy Processing and Milking Unit at Rogers Farm produced 17,590,386 half pints of milk in FY24.
17,590,386 half pints
Source
Food Operations budget FY2023: $27,693,991 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report lists 'Food Operations $27,693,991' in its program budget table.
$27.7M USD
Source
Food cost per offender per day FY2015-FY2018 Statistic
The Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget's Performance Measures Report lists, under Department of Corrections 'Food and Farm Operations,' 'Cost per day per offender (food only)' as $1.55 (FY2015), $1.49 (FY2016), $1.48 (FY2017), and $1.48 (FY2018).
$1.48 USD per day vs. 1.6 FY2015 value
Master Menu certified annually; four-week cycle rotates ~13 times per fiscal year Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.01 defines the Master Menu as certified annually by Food and Farm Service's Central Office Registered Dietitian, and defines the Menu Cycle as a four-week cycle of 28 days that rotates approximately 13 times per fiscal year.
GCI Farm's diversified agribusiness includes dairy, gristmill, beef, row crops, eggs, vegetables Finding
GDC's dairy at Rogers Farm in Reidsville, Georgia is part of GCI Farm's diversified agribusiness, which also includes a gristmill, multiple beef operations, row crops, egg production, and fresh vegetable operations.
Source
Food and Farm Operations budget FY2020: $27,627,598 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report states 'Food and Farm Operations 27,627,598' in its appropriations/program budget table.
$27.6M USD
Food cost per offender per day FY2016-FY2019 Statistic
The Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget's Performance Measures Report lists, under Department of Corrections 'Food and Farm Operations,' 'Cost per day per offender (food only)' as $1.49 (FY2016), $1.48 (FY2017), $1.48 (FY2018), and $1.43 (FY2019).
$1.43 USD per day vs. 1.5 FY2016 value
SOP 409.04.01 cites ACA Standard 5-ACI-5C-13 Legal fact
GDC SOP 409.04.01 cites ACA Standard 5-ACI-5C-13 (ref. 4-4324) as authority for the food service program.
Alternative Entrée Program kitchen produces over 3,000 Kosher meals daily for 700 offenders Statistic
GDC's Alternative Entrée Program (AEP) kitchen, located at the Food Distribution Unit (FDU) in Milledgeville, Georgia, produces over 3,000 Kosher meals daily for 700 offenders participating daily, meeting the needs of 11 facilities receiving meals from the AEP.
3,000 meals per day vs. 700 offenders participating daily
Source
GCI agriculture programs provide work for more than 300 offenders Statistic
GCI's agriculture programs provide the opportunity for more than 300 offenders to work in farm operations located across the State.
300 offenders
Security cameras installed at FDU meat plant Policy
GDC installed security cameras at the Food Distribution Unit (FDU) meat plant to enhance food safety and provide an additional level of protection to prevent contraband introduction.
Diabetic diet calorie increments specified Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.29 states diabetic diet calorie counts will be specified in the following increments: 1000, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800 or 3000.
GDC FY24 budget for Food and Farm Operations: $28,695,831 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report lists 'Food and Farm Operations $28,695,831' in its program budget table.
$28.7M USD
Source
GCI Poultry & Egg Plant employs 15-25 inmates, produces 175,000 dozen eggs monthly Statistic
GCI's Food and Farm Poultry & Egg Producing Plant has an average of fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) inmates work at the plant and produce on average 175,000 dozen eggs per month.
175,000 dozen eggs per month
Food cost per offender per day FY2020-FY2023 Statistic
The Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget's Performance Measures Report lists, under Department of Corrections 'Food and Farm Operations,' 'Cost per day per offender (food only)' as $1.61 (FY2020), $1.67 (FY2021), $1.85 (FY2022), and $2.18 (FY2023).
$2.18 USD per day vs. 1.6 FY2020 value
Therapeutic diets reviewed every six months or on menu change Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.29 requires a review of Therapeutic Diets by the State Clinical Dietitian a minimum of every six months or whenever there is a substantial change in the menus.
Rogers Canning Plant FY2019 production was 161,309 cases, below goal due to lost potato crop Statistic
GDC's Rogers Canning Plant's FY 2019 goal was 180,000 to 200,000 or more cases, but its actual production was 161,309 cases due to losing its potato crop.
161,309 cases vs. 180,000 goal minimum cases
GCI manages over 13,000 acres; produces over 40% of food ingredients Statistic
A GCI document states that agribusiness manages over 13,000 acres for crop production, livestock and grazing, and that GCI's programs produce over 40% of the ingredients utilized within Food Service operations.
13,000 acres vs. 40 percent of ingredients
Food and Farm Operations current budget FY2027 request Statistic
The Georgia Office of Planning and Budget's FY 2027 Budget Development Tracksheet for the Department of Corrections lists 'Food and Farm Operations' 'Current Budget' as State Funds $30,349,192 and Total Funds $30,918,178.
$30.9M USD total funds vs. 30,349,192 state funds
Florida prison menu targets 2,620 calories per day with Aramark Statistic
The Florida Department of Corrections' current statewide menu is 'specifically designed' to provide an average of 2,620 calories per day and claims to 'meet the nutritional needs of the inmate population,' developed in collaboration with Aramark Correctional Services, which provides food to around 450 U.S. prisons and jails.
2,620 calories per day
Specific diet review frequencies: six months vs three months Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.29 requires diabetic, sodium restricted, fat modified, and renal/hepatic diets to be reviewed a minimum of every six months, and reduction and mechanical soft diets a minimum of every three months.
Dooly Farm in Unadilla responsible for fresh vegetable and fruit production and distribution Finding
GDC's Dooly Farm operation in Unadilla, Georgia is responsible for fresh vegetable and fruit production and distribution locally and to surrounding GDC facilities.
GCI employs approximately 1,000 offenders across three divisions Statistic
Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI) is an integral part of the Georgia Department of Corrections, employing approximately 1,000 offenders, and provides job opportunities within three divisions: Manufacturing, Food Service, and Agribusiness.
1,000 offenders
Funds transferred to Food and Farm program from facilities Statistic
A Georgia House and Senate Appropriations Committees budget presentation states that funds and associated positions were transferred from Detention Centers ($2,640,621), State Prisons ($21,245,845) and Transitional Centers ($936,899) to align program budgets with agency operations under a 'Food and Farm program.'
$21.2M USD from State Prisons vs. 2,640,621 USD from Detention Centers
Maine spends $4.05 per person per day on prison food Statistic
The Marshall Project reported that Maine, widely seen as a model for providing good food in its prisons, spends $4.05 per person per day on prison food.
$4.05
SOP 507.04.29 cites NCCHC and ACA standards Legal fact
GDC SOP 507.04.29 cites NCCHC 2018 Adult Standard P-D-05 and ACA Standards 5-ACI-5C-04, 5-ACI-5C-05, 5-ACI-5C-06, 4-ALDF-4A-09, and 4-ACRS-4A-02 as authority.
GCI Food Service and Agribusiness produce 42% of food items in offender menu (FY26) Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet states that GCI Food Service and Agribusiness programs produce 42% (FY 26) of the food items utilized within the offender menu.
42%
Budget item: additional meals on weekends $1,234,218 Statistic
A Georgia Office of Planning and Budget document lists a budget item: 'Increase funds to provide additional meals on weekends' with an amount of $1,234,218.
$1.2M USD
Most states spend under $3 per person per day on prison food; low of $1.02 Statistic
An analysis by the criminal justice reform advocacy group Impact Justice found that most U.S. states spend less than $3 per person per day on prison food, and some as little as $1.02.
$3.00 vs. 1.0 lowest state spend (dollars per person per day)
Dietary noncompliance counseling thresholds Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.09 states that offenders who fail to pick up a prescribed diet six times in one week or fifteen times or more in a month will be counseled by Medical Services regarding dietary noncompliance.
GDC SOP requires max 14-hour gap between evening and breakfast meals Policy
A GDC Food Preparation, Service, and Transportation SOP requires all feeding units to maintain feeding schedules to ensure the time lapse between the evening meal and breakfast meal will not exceed 14 hours during each 24-hour period.
GCI agriculture programs provide work for more than 200 offenders Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet states that each year, GCI's agriculture programs provide the opportunity for more than 200 offenders to work in farm operations located across the state.
200 offenders
Weekend meals policy: two meals on weekends and Fridays Policy
A CBS News/AP article reported that for years Georgia prisoners had received only two meals a day on weekends because they don't work, and that the same held true on Fridays, with three meals on work days because of exertion on road crews and litter pick up.
Weekend meal rules for special diets Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.09 states that HS snacks and 3 meals times 7 days will automatically be provided for Calorie Restricted Diets, and that offenders on any other diet will not receive 3 meals on weekends unless specifically ordered by a physician.
Lee Arrendale State Prison Farm: 596 acres, 200 head beef unit, 30,000-bushel feed mill Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet lists the Lee Arrendale State Prison Farm in Alto, Georgia as 596 acres with a Beef Unit of 200 head commercial cow/calf operation and an on-site feed mill with 30,000-bushel storage capacity.
596 acres
Daily calorie allowances for Georgia inmates Statistic
A CBS News/AP article reported that in Georgia, inmates were still getting the same number of daily calories: 2,800 for men and 2,300 for women, with bigger portions at breakfast and dinner on days only two meals are served.
2,800 calories per day (men) vs. 2,300 calories per day (women)
South Carolina FY2024 food cost per inmate per year: $1,370.49 Statistic
South Carolina Department of Corrections' FY2024 Annual Accountability Report lists a 'Food Cost per Inmate per Year' performance measure with an Actual value of $1,370.49, calculated as SCDC food supply only expenditures for the fiscal year divided by the ADP for the fiscal year.
$1,370 vs. 1,403.8 prior year actual (dollars per inmate per year)
Alternative Entrée Program meals animal-free and Kosher certified Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.28 states foods prepared and served as part of the AEP Packaged Meal Plan will be animal product free, animal by-product free, and Kosher certified, and Halal-certified foods will be utilized when available.
Dooly State Prison Farm: 125 acres, 50 head brood cow operation Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet lists the Dooly State Prison Farm in Unadilla, Georgia as 125 acres, producing vegetables and fruit and operating a Beef Unit of 50 head brood cow operation.
125 acres
Slain kitchen worker employed by Aramark Case detail
WABE (AP) reported that the slain kitchen worker, 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace of Statesboro, had worked at Smith State Prison since January and was employed by Aramark, a Philadelphia-based company that provides food service for prisons in Georgia and other U.S. states.
Tennessee Aramark Year 8 blended meal rate: $1.98 per meal Statistic
Tennessee Department of Correction's contract with Aramark Correctional Services, LLC set a 'Blended per meal rate' of $1.98 per meal, and a 'Blended per meal rate plus enhanced sack meal' of $2.06 per meal, for Year 8, running from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
$1.98 vs. 2.1 blended rate plus enhanced sack meal (dollars per meal)
AEP removal thresholds for missed meals Policy
GDC SOP 409.04.28 states an offender who misses seven or more meals in a seven-day period, or fifteen or more meals in a thirty-day period, may be removed from the AEP program.
Joe Kennedy Farm: 2,600 acres, gristmill, 1,600 head steer/heifers annually, 60,000-bushel feed mill Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet describes the Joe Kennedy Farm in Lyons, Georgia as 2,600 acres, with offender labor provided by Montgomery State Prison, a gristmill producing grits and cornmeal, an average of 1,600 head of background steer and heifers annually, 200 head of brood cows, row crops of corn, wheat, cotton and winter grazing grasses, and an on-site feed mill with 60,000-bushel storage capacity.
2,600 acres
Ware State Prison disturbance linked to food and conditions Case detail
Prison Legal News reported that a violent disturbance inside Ware State Prison in early August 2020 followed a prisoner's report from inside the prison on an illegal cellphone citing health issues, three meals a day consisting only of cheese and peanut butter sandwiches, and a lack of electricity as reasons for the unrest, and that GDC said 'At no time during or after this incident did the facility lose power.'
Tennessee Aramark Year 1 blended meal rate: $1.44 per meal Statistic
Tennessee Department of Correction's contract with Aramark Correctional Services, LLC set a 'Blended per meal rate' of $1.44 per meal for Year 1.
$1.44
AEP cites RLUIPA as authority Legal fact
GDC SOP 409.04.28 cites the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. Section 2000cc, as authority for the program.
Middle Georgia Farm: 1,100 acres, 350 head brood cows Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet lists the Middle Georgia Farm in Davisboro and Milledgeville, Georgia as 1,100 acres, with a Beef Unit of 350 head brood cows.
1,100 acres
4% salary increase requested for food service staff Statistic
Georgia Recorder reported that Georgia's corrections department was requesting several million dollars for a 4% salary increase for correctional officers and staff working in education, chaplain, food service and maintenance.
4%
Texas TDCJ FY2023 food expenditure: $128,704,701 Statistic
Texas Department of Criminal Justice's 'Food For Persons - Wards of State' object-of-expense line shows actual expenditure of $128,704,701 for fiscal year 2023.
$128.7M
Ramadan meal accommodations Policy
GDC Islamic (Muslim) Guidelines SOP states that during Ramadan the Warden/Superintendent will consider feeding practicing Muslim offenders breakfast before dawn and providing a sack dinner or hot meal after the sun has set.
Montgomery State Prison Farm: 65 acres, 120,000 hen laying operation, 100,000-bushel feed mill Statistic
GDC's Georgia Correctional Industries Fact Sheet lists the Montgomery State Prison Farm in Mount Vernon, Georgia as 65 acres, with an egg production facility making fresh and frozen egg products, a 120,000 hen laying operation, and an on-site feed mill with 100,000-bushel storage capacity.
65 acres
2024 allocation for additional weekend meals Finding
A Filter article by an incarcerated writer states that in 2024 GDC was allocated $1.2 million so that in the next budget cycle prisoners could have 'additional meals' on weekends, and that this does not refer to new kinds of meals or a surplus of meals, but refers to 'lunch.'
Ludy v. Gramiak: RLUIPA and official-capacity claims dismissed, individual nominal damages claims survive Legal fact
In Ludy v. Gramiak, the district court granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motion to dismiss, granting the motion as to the plaintiff's claims for relief under RLUIPA and for declaratory and injunctive relief under section 1983, and denying it as to the plaintiff's section 1983 claims for nominal damages against the defendants in their individual capacities.
Ramadan meals for segregated offenders; food not a disciplinary sanction Policy
GDC Islamic (Muslim) Guidelines SOP states that offenders observing Ramadan who are placed in Administrative Segregation or Disciplinary Isolation will be served the Ramadan meals the same as those in general population, and that food is not to be used as a disciplinary sanction for an individual offender.
Food and Farm Operations budget FY2022: $27,563,463 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report lists 'Food and Farm Operations $27,563,463' in its program budget table.
$27.6M USD
Source
Weekend breakfast served at 4:30 am Finding
A Filter article by an incarcerated writer states that on weekday mornings prisoners must be up by 5 am with breakfast served at 5:30, but that on weekends and holidays breakfast is pushed up to 4:30 am even though they are allowed to sleep until 6 am, and that because of this less food is prepared for breakfast on weekends and holidays.
Impact Justice press release: majority of states spend under $3/day, one state $1.02 Finding
The Impact Justice press release for its 'Eating Behind Bars: Ending the Hidden Punishment of Food in Prison' report states that the majority of states spend under $3 per day to feed an incarcerated person, and one state spends just $1.02 to feed a person a day.
Certified Food Safety Manager required at all times Policy
GDC Food Service HACCP Plan SOP requires each facility to keep a certified Food Safety Manager on staff at all times.
Food and Farm Operations budget FY2025: $31,110,039 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report lists 'Food and Farm Operations $31,110,039' in its program budget table.
$31.1M USD
Source
Four-hour limit in temperature danger zone Policy
GDC Food Service HACCP Plan SOP states that food should not remain between 41ºF and 135ºF for more than four hours.
State Auditor: cost to feed an inmate in Georgia was $2.85 per day Statistic
A State Auditor review of GDC's food program found that 'the cost to feed an inmate in Georgia was $2.85 per day, which includes all costs associated with providing meals, such as farm costs, cafeteria labor in the facilities, additional food purchases, and maintenance and repair of equipment.'
$2.85 USD per day
Food and Farm budget highlight: additional meals on weekends, farming operations increase $3,234,218 Statistic
GDC's Annual Report lists a budget highlight: 'Food and Farm: Additional meals on weekends, farming operations' with an increase of $3,234,218.
$3.2M USD
Source
GCI agriculture manages over 13,000 acres, produces over 40% of food service ingredients Statistic
GCI's own website states that GCI's agriculture programs manage over 13,000 acres for crop production, livestock and grazing, and that GCI's programs produce over 40% of the ingredients utilized within its Food Service operations.
13,000 acres
Ground beef cooking temperature requirement Policy
GDC Food Service HACCP Plan SOP requires ground beef to be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 155ºF for fifteen seconds.
Food and Farm Operations purpose: manage timber, raise crops/livestock, produce dairy Policy
The Governor's Budget Report describes GDC's 'Food and Farm Operations' appropriation purpose as managing timber, raising crops and livestock, and producing dairy items used in preparing meals for offenders.
Additional meals does not mean more than three meals a day Finding
A Filter article by an incarcerated writer states that per GDC business practices, and those of prison systems in general, 'additional meals on weekends' does not refer to more than three meals a day.
GCI agriculture programs train over 300 people annually Statistic
GCI's own website states that each year, over 300 men and women gain skills within GCI's agriculture programs across the state.
300 people annually
Leftover reheating rules Policy
GDC Food Service HACCP Plan SOP requires leftover foods to be reheated to 165ºF for fifteen seconds, and states leftover foods can only be reheated once.
State Auditor: Food and Farm Program transferred to GCI in January 2009 with no signed contract for FY2009 Finding
The State Auditor report found that GDC's Food and Farm Program 'was transferred to GCI in January 2009' and that 'our review found that there was no signed contract for fiscal year 2009' governing it.
Food and Farm Operations total funds: FY2024 $30,914,139; FY2025 $31,748,617; FY2026 original $30,918,178; amended $31,137,154; FY2027 $31,208,029 Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report's Department of Corrections Financial Summary table lists the 'Food and Farm Operations' program's total funds as $30,914,139 in FY 2024 Expenditures, $31,748,617 in FY 2025 Expenditures, $30,918,178 in FY 2026 Original Budget, $31,137,154 in Amended FY 2026 Budget, and $31,208,029 in FY 2027 Budget.
$30.9M USD vs. 31,208,029 FY2027 budget
Lawsuit: warnings about gun came from inmates to GDC officials Legal fact
A Filter article quotes a GDC corrections1.com-sourced lawsuit complaint stating that warnings about the gun used to kill a kitchen worker 'came from inmates and were provided directly to multiple GDC officials, including during official investigations.'
Storage temperature checks three times daily Policy
GDC Food Service HACCP Plan SOP requires storage area freezer, refrigerator and cooler temperatures to be checked three times in a 24-hour period and recorded on a Food Storage Temperature Log.
GCI financial table shows Food & Farm Program Sales of $12,450,223 in final year after zeros Statistic
GPS's compiled DPH inspection records show a GDC Correctional Industries' financial table reporting Food & Farm Program Sales of $12,450,223 in the final year shown, after being zero in every prior year shown in the same row.
$12.5M USD
GDC offender work program includes prison farm operations, food preparation, and GCI manufacturing Policy
The Governor's Budget Report describes GDC's offender work program, stating that inmates work in prison farm operations, food preparation, laundry, construction, facility and landscape maintenance, and perform factory work in Georgia Correctional Industries' manufacturing plants, and that Food and Farm Operations provides meals for offenders through raising crops and livestock, managing timber, and producing dairy items.
Incarcerated writer: even three meals a day leaves hunger Finding
A Filter article by an incarcerated writer states that even those who get three meals a day on weekdays in the chow hall still go hungry, and that 'we now get the privilege of lunch on the weekends, in the form of a peanut butter sandwich tossed on top of the breakfast tray.'
Food service worker medical screening; HIV/Hep B not exclusionary Policy
GDC Food Service Workers SOP requires an initial medical screening of an offender prior to enrollment in the food service work program, and states offenders will not be excluded from food service assignment on the basis of history of a communicable disease that is not transmitted through food handling, such as Hepatitis B or HIV infection.
GDC SOP requires annual nutritional review of regular diet by registered dietitian Policy
A GDC Health Promotion and Disease Prevention SOP requires a registered dietitian nutritionist or other licensed nutrition professional to document a review of the regular diet for nutritional adequacy at least annually, and requires the facility to notify the RDN whenever the regular diet menu is changed.
Food and Farm Operations detailed appropriation: State General Funds $30,349,192 plus Other Funds $568,986 Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report's detailed Food and Farm Operations appropriation line shows State General Funds of $30,349,192 with changes of $218,976 producing an Amended Budget of $30,568,168, and State General Funds of $30,349,192 with changes of $289,851 producing a Budget of $30,639,043, plus Other Funds of $568,986, for Total Funds of $30,918,178, $31,137,154, and $31,208,029.
$30.3M USD vs. 568,986 other funds
Kitchen workers told to 'shake the spoon' to short portions Finding
A Filter article quotes a kitchen worker identified as 'Bill' stating that kitchen workers are told to 'shake the spoon', bounce the serving ladle on the pot before dumping the portion onto the passing trays, to short portions and stretch meals, and that 'menus meant to feed 150 prisoners are feeding 200.'
Exclusion for shigella/salmonella or active hepatitis A Policy
GDC Food Service Workers SOP states offenders with a history of chronic infection with shigella or salmonella organisms, or suspected or known active infection with hepatitis A, will be excluded from their food service assignment until cleared by a Physician, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.
Benning v. GDC settlement agreement (October 6, 2021) ensured kosher meals Legal fact
In Benning v. Georgia Department of Corrections, Benning and GDC entered into a settlement agreement on October 6, 2021, resolving all of Benning's claims by ensuring that Benning would be served kosher meals, under which GDC agreed to have Benning's pre-packaged meals certified kosher and double sealed, with the meals to be comparable in nutritional value and caloric intake to the current restricted alternative meal plan.
Sanitation SOP requires temperature checks three times daily Policy
GDC Food Service Sanitation SOP requires freezer, refrigerator and/or cooler temperatures to be checked and recorded three times in a 24-hour period.
Eight of ten graduates of inaugural Culinary Arts Program working in culinary field Statistic
A GDC press release states that 'Out of the ten graduates, eight are currently working in the culinary field,' following completion of GDC's inaugural Culinary Arts Program at Lee Arrendale Transitional Center.
8 people vs. 10 graduates
Benning alleged continued RLUIPA violations: meals not kosher, improperly sealed, inconsistent portions Legal fact
After the settlement, Benning moved to reinstate his RLUIPA action against GDC, contending that the defendants continued to violate RLUIPA by serving him nutritionally deficient meals that were not kosher, specifically that the AEP meals were not always properly sealed and that the portion sizes of the meals were inconsistent and nutritionally deficient.
Georgia spent $1.69/day on prison food in 2024, proposed $1.60/day in 2027 Statistic
The Marshall Project reported that, per person, Georgia spent about $1.69 a day on prison food in 2024 and proposed to spend $1.60 a day in its 2027 budget, based on an analysis by Georgia Prisoners Speak.
$1.69 USD per day (2024) vs. 1.6 USD per day (2027 proposed)
Health department inspections biannual; copies forwarded within 48 hours Policy
GDC Food Service Permits/Health Department Inspections SOP requires Local Health Department inspections to be completed biannually after the initial inspection occurs, with copies forwarded to Food and Farm Services Central Office within 48 hours of inspection.
Ten residents graduated from inaugural Culinary Arts Program at Lee Arrendale TC Case detail
A GDC press release states that 'On December 15, 10 residents graduated from the inaugural Culinary Arts Program at Lee Arrendale Transitional Center (TC) located in Alto, GA,' receiving certificates in Basic Culinary Skills, Career Readiness and ServSafe Manager's Level.
Benning claimed average 2,031 calories/day, ~40% fewer than GDC menu Legal fact
In Benning v. Georgia Department of Corrections, the plaintiff calculated based on his own measurements that he received an average of 2,031 calories per day, which he claimed was approximately 40% fewer calories than the GDC menu provided, but the court found he had not shown this substantially burdened his religious exercise and granted summary judgment to the defendants.
New facility food service permit request 10 days prior Policy
GDC Food Service Permits/Health Department Inspections SOP requires a new facility to request a Food Service Permit at least ten days prior to the facility's projected opening date.
Hays State Prison has Aramark Food Service work detail supported by offender labor Finding
GDC's own website states that Hays State Prison has an 'Aramark Food Service' work detail supported by offender labor.
Court granted summary judgment to defendants in Benning v. GDC Legal fact
In Benning v. Georgia Department of Corrections, the district court granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment on the plaintiff's RLUIPA kosher-meal claims.
Rodriguez v. Bryson: supplemental summary judgment granted for defendants Legal fact
In Rodriguez v. Bryson, the court's December 17, 2019 order granted 'Defendants' Supplemental Motion for Summary Judgment.'
Food cost reduced from $1.60 to $1.50 or less Statistic
GDC's Annual Fiscal Report states its Food & Farm Division 'has been able to lower its food cost from $1.60 to $1.50 or less, over the last two fiscal years.'
$1.50 vs. 1.6 previous cost
Benning claimed RLUIPA violation for failure to provide kosher food Legal fact
In Benning v. Georgia Department of Corrections, an inmate claimed the defendants violated RLUIPA by failing to provide him with kosher food that accommodates his religious dietary restrictions.
Rodriguez v. Bryson: Eighth Amendment contaminated food and inadequate nutrition claims allowed to proceed Legal fact
In Rodriguez v. Bryson (M.D. Ga.), a court order allowed the plaintiff's Eighth Amendment claims regarding contaminated food against Defendants Sutton, Martin, Chatman, and Caldwell, and Eighth Amendment claims regarding nutritionally inadequate meals against Defendants Bryson, Sellers, Chatman, Caldwell, Sutton, and Martin, to proceed for further factual development.
Food & Farm program budget $28,061,029 Statistic
GDC's 'APPROPRIATION BY PROGRAM' table lists '2 Food & Farm $28,061,029' under Program/Budget.
$28.1M
Georgia prisons: 43% of food grown on 14,136 acres across eight farms; 100% of beef, pork, eggs, milk produced Statistic
A trade-press article reported that in Georgia, 43 percent of the food served to 60,000 inmates in 86 facilities was grown on the Department of Corrections' eight farms comprising 14,136 acres, and that the farms produced 100 percent of the beef, pork, eggs and milk used.
43% vs. 14,136 acres
USDA Thrifty Food Plan weekly cost for male 20-50: $73.60 Statistic
USDA's Thrifty Food Plan weekly food cost for a male aged 20-50 years is $73.60, with a monthly cost of $318.90.
$73.60 vs. 318.9 monthly cost (dollars)
Sources
74 cited sources backing this research.
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Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
American Correctional Association
[organization]
Amy Pataluna
[person]
Aramark
[organization]
Aureon Shavea Grace
[person]
Benning v. Georgia Department of Corrections
[case]
Bloods
[organization]
Brian Kemp
[person]
Calhoun State Prison
[facility]
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
[organization]
California Legislative Analyst's Office
[organization]
Center for Science in the Public Interest
[organization]
Dooly Farm
[facility]
Dooly State Prison Farm
[facility]
Expert Institute
[organization]
Florida Department of Corrections
[organization]
Food Distribution Unit
[facility]
GCI
[organization]
Georgia Board of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Correctional Industries
[organization]
Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Public Health
[organization]
Georgia General Assembly
[organization]
Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget
[organization]
Georgia Prisoners Speak
[organization]
Gordon County Jail
[facility]
Hays State Prison
[facility]
Impact Justice
[organization]
Jaydrekus Hart
[person]
Joe Kennedy Farm
[facility]
Johnson State Prison
[facility]
Lee Arrendale State Prison Farm
[facility]
Lee Arrendale Transitional Center
[facility]
Ludy v. Gramiak
[case]
Macon State Prison
[facility]
Maine Department of Corrections
[organization]
Middle Georgia Farm
[facility]
Mississippi Department of Corrections
[organization]
Montgomery State Prison
[facility]
Montgomery State Prison Farm
[facility]
National Commission on Correctional Health Care
[organization]
Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
[legislation]
Rodriguez v. Bryson
[case]
Rogers Canning Plant
[facility]
Rogers State Prison Farm
[facility]
Smith State Prison
[facility]
South Carolina Department of Corrections
[organization]
Tennessee Department of Correction
[organization]
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
[organization]
The Marshall Project
[organization]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
[organization]
Ware State Prison
[facility]