Christmas Day meals at New Zealand's 17 public prisons will this year cost the country's taxpayers only $4 per inmate in ingredients for the day.
"Corrections does pretty well on its budget of $4 per inmate in ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meals are by no means lavish, but do meet basic nutritional requirements," says Russell Baker, Corrections Inmate Employment Internal Services Manager.
Lunch is the main meal on Christmas Day, and those in prison will sit down to a modest serving of vegetables, a portion of chicken and Christmas cake for dessert. Cold meat and salads will be served for dinner.
The meals will be the same at all public prisons across the country.
There is a lot of curiosity and misconception around what prison inmates eat on Christmas day, explains Mr Baker.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that inmates dine lavishly - better than those in the community. In reality, Christmas in prison is pretty modest," he says.
Ends
Note to the reporter:
- A copy of the Christmas Day menu for New Zealand's public prisons is attached. This menu will be served at all 17 public prisons including Auckland, Mt Eden, Waikeria, Ohura, New Plymouth, Tongariro/Rangipo, Hawkes Bay, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington, Arohata, Rimutaka, Christchurch Men's and Women's, Rolleston, Dunedin and Invercargill Prisons
Other facts about Christmas in prison are attached for your reference.
For more local comment, please contact the Communications Unit on 04 460 3365
Christmas Day menu:
Breakfast:
- Cereal, milk, toast, spread, yogurt and coffee
Lunch
- Chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas
- 2 x slices of buttered bread
- 2 x slices of Christmas cake
Dinner
- Slices of beef and ham
- Potato salad
- Lettuce
- ½ tomato
- ½ hard boiled egg
- 2 x slices of buttered bread
- 2 x Christmas mince pies
Fact about Christmas in Prison:
- Inmates' children may receive presents through the Angel Tree Programme. The programme operates at most New Zealand prisons and is co-ordinated by the Prison Fellowship New Zealand, who organise the purchase and distribution of gifts to the children of inmates. The Angel Tree Programme has distributed 2300 presents this year.
- In some regions, the Prisoners' Aid and Rehabilitation Society (PARS) may purchase gifts on inmates' behalf for them to send to their friends and family.
- Inmates may attend a multi-denominational service led by the Prison Chaplin if they wish to do so.
- Inmates may receive approved gifts from friends and family, however all items are subject to normal security processes to prevent contraband entering the prison.
- Standard visiting times apply, so inmates' families can only visit the prison if Christmas Day coincides with a scheduled visiting day.
