December 25th 2024.
As Christmas Day approaches, the prison system in England is preparing for the festive season by designing menus for inmates at some of the most high-security jails in the country. In an effort to cater to all dietary needs and preferences, the menus feature a variety of options, including healthier choices like Quorn roasts and vegan rolls.
At HMP Wakefield, also known as 'Monster Mansion', prisoners can indulge in a festive vegan slice, a potato, spinach, cheese, and chive roll, or a halal hot and spicy chicken fillet for lunch. And it's not just about healthier alternatives – the traditional turkey roast with all the trimmings is also available, along with halal and vegetarian options.
For dessert, inmates can enjoy a vegan Christmas pudding or opt for a banana instead. And for teatime, 'grab packs' are offered, consisting of a fruit cake slice, mince pie, bag of crisps, satsuma, pack of biscuits, gingerbread reindeer, and apple juice. On Boxing Day, the menu includes options like a Field & Forest 'no meat sausage roll', Quorn meat-free roast, and a halal chicken curry slice. And to top it off, a refreshing mango and orange iced smoothie is available.
At HMP Belmarsh, known for its high-risk inmates, Christmas Day options include a Quorn roast, chicken breast, sliced turkey, and fish fillet cooked with prawns and chilli butter. Sides like roast potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, and gravy can also be added to the meal. For teatime, inmates can choose from a vegan sausage roll, a festive turkey slice, or instant noodles, all served with a mince pie and winter spiced flapjack.
The Christmas Day menu at HMP Wakefield features pictures of a jolly Father Christmas and a merry snowman with the message, 'Merry Christmas to one and all from the Kitchen Staff.' Some notable past and present inmates at this prison include prolific serial killer Harold Shipman, Jeremy Bamber, who killed five members of his own family, and black cab rapist John Worboys.
Meanwhile, HMP Manchester offers a Quorn meat-free roast with roast and boiled potatoes and seasonal vegetables, as well as a traditional meat dinner. Dessert options include a Christmas pudding or a sliced 'Wicked' fruit cake. For teatime, inmates can choose from a beetroot carrot chickpea wrap or vegan sausage roll, accompanied by scones, jam, butter, cheese, crackers, vegan Jaffa cakes, soya yogurt, banana, and a mince pie.
As for entertainment, HMP Wakefield has planned a carol service in the chapel and pool and chess competitions on the wings. And at Belmarsh, in-house games will also be held over Christmas. However, despite these efforts to make the festive season special for prisoners, the prison system is facing a crisis, with dire conditions and rising numbers contributing to the issue.
The Howard League for Penal Reform has warned about the projected rise in prison numbers and the severe overcrowding in jails in England and Wales. In fact, many inmates are spending hours locked in their cells with nothing to do. With a budget of only £2.70 per inmate, per day for three meals, the Prison Service maintains that all meals offered to prisoners meet nutritional guidelines set by the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health and Social Care.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated, "Each meal in prison costs 90p on average, and meals at Christmas are no different." These menus were released under the Freedom of Information Act after a request by Metro. As we approach the festive season, let's not forget those who are spending it behind bars and hope for better conditions and opportunities for them in the future.
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