Why We Do It

We believe that wholesome and delicious food has the power to equip prisoners with the increased knowledge, skills and wellbeing they need to help them achieve a good quality of life on the outside. Prison food has never received the level of attention and investment it deserves to have a positive impact on society. This is something we are determined to change.

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In 2016, a report on prison food by HM Inspectorate of Prisons found dissatisfaction across the board - only 29% of prisoner survey respondents described the food they received as “good” or “very good”. Prisons serve three meals a day on a budget of around £2.10 per head and the overall budget has been decreasing year on year. In 2012-2013, the total yearly prison food spend was £59.6 million, as opposed to £55.1 million in 2013 and £54.1 million in 2014-2015.

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Likewise, over the last decade, safety in prisons has deteriorated at an alarming rate. According to the Prison Reform Trust, assaults, serious assaults and self-harm are at the highest levels ever recorded, self-inflicted deaths are continuing to rise and mental health is in crisis.

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​Increased nutrition amongst prisoners has been statistically proven to reduce violent offences by 37%. Research has shown that poor diet is linked to poor mental health - individuals classified as obese have a 55% higher risk of developing depression. The Mental Health foundation has reported on “a growing body of evidence indicating that nutrition may play an important role in the prevention, development and management of diagnosed mental health problems including depression, schizophrenia, ADHD and dementia.” Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at even more of a disadvantage, often lacking the income, knowledge, skills, time and access required to lead a healthy diet.