 Pennsylvania Prisons |  Pennsylvania Department of Corrections http://www.cor.state.pa.us/
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections does not have a clear statement of policy regarding how to request a vegetarian diet. There is no policy listed under their Food Service Rules (DC-ADM 610), and only a suggestion of how to make the request under DC-ADM 819 - the Department of Corrections Religious Activities Policy. (See below for a link to the document.)
The 2005 Inmate Handbook states: "If you wish to request a Religious Accommodation, you must send a DC-52, Inmate Religious Accommodation Request form to the FCPD and supply written information from any outside faith group, including any publications that describe the goals, beliefs, and practices of the group."
Form DC-52 is included in DC-ADM 819 - the Department of Corrections Religious Activities Policy. But the policy does not directly address how to request vegetarian food. The form is a general form, used to request any special service for religious reasons.
As is generally the case, you may want to consult the brochure Vegetarianism and the Major World Religions available from our website (http://www.prisonvegetarianproject.org/prisonersupportp) to learn about the ways that various religions encourage practicing a vegetarian lifestyle. You can use the brochure as part of your advocacy efforts, and feel free to contact us for any assistance.
|
| Pittsburgh Tribune Review article, May 2008In May, 2008, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review published an article "In State's Prisons, Inmates Can Eat Vegetarian."
Sections from the article state:
... the 46,000 inmates in Pennsylvania's 27 state institutions can choose entrees such as tofu cacciatore, soy barbecue, veggie burgers and soy sausage patties... It's a dubious distinction, some say. "If somebody has been convicted of a crime and sent to prison, they don't deserve special treatment," said Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry. "They should have to eat what is put before them, as long as it's the most cost-effective, with nutrition to keep them as healthy as possible so we don't have to incur additional medical costs while they are in jail. I don't think any prisoner deserves to be catered to in any way, shape or manner."
We have written to Rep. Metcalfe to tell him that we agree with him and to clarify that over 95% of the inmates who contact us just want a non-meat option - they are not asking for special diets or fancy foods. The vast majority only want to practice their beliefs - they accept that their vegetarian diet will be less fancy or varied than the regular diet. We'll let you know if we hear back from Rep Metcalf.
Click here to read the article from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. |
| |
|  | |  | | February 2008We recently spoke with a Chaplain at the Pennsylvania DOC who was very helpful and explained the new diet option.
Until recently, they offered two choices: Regular Mainline Menu (the non-vegetarian option) or an Alternative Protein Line Menu.
They are now offering a third option: No Meat No Animal By-Products.
The No Meat No Animal By-Products diet is vegan. Inmates should request this diet by filling out form DC-52. However, as of now, they do not expect to be requiring that inmates prove that their request for this diet is based on belonging to a religion that requires vegan practice.
We are very interested to hear from people inside who are requesting this diet - we hope to hear from people soon so we can post an update. |
| |  | |  |
|
