PAGE 3
HIV NUTRITION UPDATE
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4
Caring for HIV-positive Inmates - Behind the Bars
(Continued from page 2)
 
 
 

CORRECTIONAL MENUS

The average caloric value of correctional menus varies with each facility, state and governing agency. Facilities that house both males and females may or may not differentiate the calories and protein in their menu. According to survey results, based on computerized nutritional analysis the average caloric and protein content for main population menus are 2,400-3,700 calories with 58-150 grams of protein for males, and 2,200–3,200 calories with 40-125 grams of protein for females. Optimally, menus meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and any additional meal patterns and standards required by their governing agency. Menus also meet the nutrition guidelines established by the Association of Nutrition Services Agencies (formerly AIDS Nutrition Services Alliance - ANSA). 
 

 
Consumption of regular food from the main population menu is encouraged while the inmate still has an appetite and can tolerate regular food. Although menu choices are limited to a cycle menu and commissary offerings lack valuable nutrients, the menus meet the RDA's and the food offered may still allow some inmates to eat better than they did before incarceration. One survey respondent indicated that when fresh fruit is offered to the general population, inmates on special diets such as diabetic or low cholesterol diets may not get the fruit. Distributing fresh fruit may be frowned upon by the administration because it can be used to make so-called “hooch” (an alcoholic drink).
 
 
(Continued on page 4)
Figure 2. Sampling procedure for dietitians in corrections.
Corrections System Survey
Sample of Corrections Dietitians
(n= 98 dietitians)
 
Dietitian Survey Respondents
(n= 20 dietitians)
 20.4 % Participation
 
Respondents With Known HIV+ Inmates
(n= 18 dietitians)
 
Sample of Corrections Facilities
(n= >315 Correctional Facilities)
 
Facilities Offering Nutritional Counseling
(n= ~37)
~12% of Facilities
 
Facilities Offering HIV-specific Nutritional Counseling
(n= ~37)
~12% of Facilities


 
 
 

 
 
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1/30/2003