Exploring Prison Meals Around the World

1. US Prisons: Ramen as Currency

   • Ramen is a popular traded item among inmates.
   • Used to pay for services like haircuts and protection.
   • Earning enough to buy ramen can be challenging due to low prison wages.

2. Colombia: Rehabilitation Through Cooking

   • Cartagena's women's prison has a public restaurant called Interno.
   • Inmates learn high-end cooking skills for better post-release opportunities.
   • Successful rehabilitation stories include women working in top restaurants.

3. Australia: Fresh Weekend Meals

   • Weekdays feature reheated prepackaged meals.
   • Weekends offer fresh dishes like meat pies.

4. Poland: Balanced Meals and Rehabilitation

   • Focus on structured activities and proper nutrition.
   • Inmates receive a balanced diet with diverse meals.

5. Russia: Harsh Conditions at Black Dolphin

   • Basic, minimal food served under strict security.
   • Prisoners have a 1500 calorie diet, with limited exercise.

6. Egypt: Ful Medames

   • A classic dish made with fava beans is served in prisons.
   • Many inmates rely on family visits for additional food.

7. Bangladesh: From Bread to Khichdi

   • Historical meal of bread and molasses replaced by khichdi.
   • Part of prison reforms to improve prisoner conditions.

8. Norway: Comfort and Rehabilitation at Bastoy

   • Known as the world's nicest prison.
   • Focus on rehabilitation with community living, farming, and fishing.
   • Low reoffending rates due to this approach.

9. North Korea: Limited and Poor Nutrition

   • Inmates receive 600 grams of plain corn.
   • Nutritional value is lacking, affecting those doing hard labor.

10. Germany: McDonald's as Temporary Prison Food

    • Due to a contract issue, inmates temporarily received McDonald's meals.
    • Highlighted the need for standardized prison food.

11. Ethiopia: Limited Meals

    • Inmates eat simple lentil stew or just "injera".
    • Lack of variety and quality compared to everyday cultural dishes.

Conclusion

• Prison meals vary globally, reflecting different approaches to punishment and rehabilitation.
• Some countries aim for reform through better nutrition and skill development.
• The diversity in prison meals highlights societal and cultural attitudes towards incarceration.