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QUESTION
What is the budget for food in the correctional facility, and are there plans for in-house meal preparation?
3:19:46
ยท
100 sec
The Department of Corrections' food budget is expected to rise to $23,000,000 due to increasing food prices and population. Deputy Commissioner Srinivasan discusses funding plans and the feasibility of in-house meal preparation.
- The current food budget is between $18,000,000 and $19,000,000, with an anticipated increase to $23,000,000.
- This increase is attributed to rising food prices and inmate population growth.
- The cost per meal has escalated to $8.93.
- Questions are raised about the use of contracted food services versus in-house meal preparation.
- The council member inquires about the potential for in-house cooking to save money and improve meal quality.
Gale A. Brewer
3:19:46
Obviously, I think one of the reasons people don't wanna go is that they may it's not your but they may not get fed all day long at the court.
3:19:53
So that's one big concern that we hear about a lot.
3:19:56
But on the Island in general?
3:19:58
What's your budget for food?
3:20:01
What's your you know, does it work?
3:20:04
Does it not work?
3:20:05
Do you need more?
3:20:06
Do you need less?
3:20:06
What what's a status of food because it's a nutrition issue.
3:20:10
There's lots of issues that I think are really important about food.
Mala Srinivasan
3:20:14
Yeah.
3:20:14
Thank you for that question, Council member.
3:20:17
The budget for food is right now $18,000,000, $19,000,000.
3:20:23
We anticipate because of the rise in food prices and the rise in the population, we anticipate that we would be spending close to $23,000,000 this year, and we are working with our oversight to act funding for that.
Gale A. Brewer
3:20:38
And how much is is that all contracted out?
3:20:40
Is it no scratch whatsoever despite having a kitchen which I've been in.
3:20:45
So how how why is it all contracted?
3:20:47
Now, why can't you do some scratch food?
3:20:49
Maybe that would even save money.
3:20:52
Meaning cooking.
Mala Srinivasan
3:20:59
So if your asking about is it that the price per meal is basically has gone up to $8.93 compared to earlier fiscal years.
Gale A. Brewer
3:21:15
So that's for per per person.
Kelly Grace Price
3:21:17
Yes.
Gale A. Brewer
3:21:17
Per day, per meal.
3:21:19
Per meal.
3:21:20
So breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3:21:21
That's the average.
3:21:24
Right.
3:21:24
Okay.
3:21:24
So my question is, do you do any scratch cooking?