Regulated nutritional standards allow public health and criminal justice professionals to improve predominantly marginalized populations’ health and reduce disease burden and health care costs. Drawing on the New Jersey Commission on Women’s Reentry objectives, this session describes nutrition in prison and challenges to the delivery of a well-balanced diet, including the accessibility of religious and cultural diets, availability of special dietary considerations for pregnant people, lack of nutritional awareness among the incarcerated, and associated costs.

Educational Objectives:

Review current nutritional and health conditions of women in correctional facilities

Analyze existing challenges to adequate nutrition for women in correctional facilities

Discuss the importance of implementing nutrition templates in correctional facilities

Level: Intermediate