PRINTER'S NO. 2001
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
211
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY KINSEY, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, MADDEN, FREEMAN, HILL-
EVANS, KHAN, KIM, MAYES, SANCHEZ, PARKER, KINKEAD AND SMITH-
WADE-EL, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study on the nutritional value of food, along with the
nutrition-related health of incarcerated individuals, in
State correctional institutions in this Commonwealth and to
issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the
House of Representatives.
WHEREAS, People who are incarcerated have a right to food
that is safe, nourishing, appealing to the senses and culturally
appropriate; and
WHEREAS, People who are incarcerated should have access to
food that satiates hunger and promotes physical health and
mental well-being; and
WHEREAS, People who are incarcerated should have access to
food that meets their individual health needs and aligns with
their values; and
WHEREAS, More than 40,000 individuals are housed in 23 State
correctional institutions and a motivational boot camp across
this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Incarcerated individuals must depend on the
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facilities in which they are incarcerated for their nutrition,
as well as their health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, It is stated policy of the Department of Corrections
that the regular master menu and various population menus will
be planned based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the
Dietary Reference Intakes; and
WHEREAS, For every meal, a State correctional institution in
this Commonwealth offers a vegetarian entree and special meals
to accommodate religious observances; and
WHEREAS, Although the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and
the Dietary Reference Intakes are intended to protect
incarcerated individuals' health in State correctional
institutions, food has been used as a means of punishment and is
currently being used for behavior modification; and
WHEREAS, In comparison to the general population, a higher
rate of incarcerated individuals report having one or more
chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes;
and
WHEREAS, It is vitally important that the nutritional value
of food at State correctional institutions in this Commonwealth
be examined, as well as the health conditions of incarcerated
individuals to ensure that they are receiving humane treatment
and to bring awareness to their health needs; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on the
nutritional value of food, along with the nutrition-related
health of incarcerated individuals, in State correctional
institutions in this Commonwealth and to issue a report of its
findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives;
and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the study include, at a minimum, the following
regarding State correctional institutions in this Commonwealth:
(1) a breakdown of the nutritional value of the food
served, including the percentage of carbohydrates, fat,
protein, minerals and vitamins in each food group;
(2) a breakdown of the sources of calcium, calories,
carbohydrates, fruits, grains, protein and vegetables in each
meal served;
(3) a breakdown of the number of calories provided for
each incarcerated individual over the course of three meals
per day;
(4) an analysis of the nutritional value of the planned
master menu, including the extent to which the menu aligns
with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary
Reference Intakes;
(5) an analysis of the nutritional value of the food and
beverages made available for sale in the commissary,
including the amount of carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals
and vitamins in each item;
(6) an analysis of the dietary intake of a
representative sample of incarcerated individuals, using a
24-hour dietary recall or other established method;
(7) an analysis of food quality and palatability in
relation to preferences of the incarcerated population;
(8) the medical and physical health of incarcerated
individuals; and
(9) the prevalence of illness and disease among
incarcerated individuals;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study assess menu options for each of the
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following populations:
(1) general population;
(2) vegetarian population;
(3) diabetic population; and
(4) religious population;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include a cost-benefit analysis on
the following:
(1) providing additional calories on menus while
reducing the cost of menu items;
(2) replacing food low in nutritional value, such as
desserts and extra bread, with food high in nutritional
value, such as fruits and vegetables; and
(3) replacing high cost and low nutritional value meals
with lower cost and high nutritional value meals;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study also include recommendations for
legislative action to:
(1) increase the nutritional value of incarcerated
individuals' food; and
(2) treat health conditions of incarcerated individuals
and take preventive measures to mitigate illness and disease
among incarcerated individuals;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission be
authorized to request information from the Department of
Corrections for the study; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission report
its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives
no later than one year after the adoption of this resolution.
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