Behind Bars: Nutritionist, Warden, and Doctor Reveal the Truth About Prison Food Trials

Sioux Falls, S.D. – A jury trial about food quality and possible malnutrition in prison is ongoing at the federal courthouse.

Central to this case is Mark Christians, an inmate who claims that inadequate nutrition caused him to lose nearly 100 pounds between 2017 and 2018. Today, various officials from the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) took the stand to discuss inmate health monitoring and food provision.

Attorneys for the state questioned healthcare providers about Christians’ concerns. Testimony revealed that both a nurse and a prison doctor acknowledged they heard his issues but claimed they had no influence over the food served. They also mentioned that his lab results looked normal.

An intriguing point from the trial came from an independent nutritionist, who conducts annual reviews of the prison’s food program. Interestingly, she stated she had never received a copy of the food contract she was meant to evaluate. During her review, she found that ham was served on 26 of the 28 days and that the sodium levels in the food were significantly above recommended guidelines—almost 2.5 times higher.

Former Warden Brent Fluke also testified, stating that he had not seen any reports from the nutritionist’s reviews for state prisons.

Nutrition in prisons is a critical issue. According to a 2021 survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 70% of inmates reported that food quality significantly affected their health. Poor nutrition can lead to serious health problems, complicating issues like mental health and behavior among inmates.

As the trial nears its conclusion, the DOC maintains that independent nutritional reviews do occur, and findings are shared with Aramark, the current food supplier.

This case highlights the importance of proper nutrition in prisons and could lead to reforms in how inmates’ food is managed.

For further information on inmate health and nutrition programs, you can check out the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

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