Read the 2023 report, “‘We’re Hungry in Here’: Food Insecurity Behind the Walls of D.C.’s Jails”
Rancid milk, moldy bread, and green bologna – when 330 residents of the D.C. jails were surveyed about food and nutrition, the vast majority reported feeling hungry and being served spoiled or otherwise unsafe food on an occasional to frequent basis. This report, published in November of 2023 by DC Greens and compiled by Daniel Rosen, summarizes the disturbing findings of a 2023 survey (led by former ANC Leonard Bishop) of incarcerated residents in D.C.’s jails.
TAKE ACTION
BACKGROUND
The DC Department of Corrections (DOC) has a long history of serving food that is unsafe and inhumane to the people incarcerated in its jails. The 2021 DC Jail Food Community Conversation Series was an effort led by DC Greens to bring to light the terrible conditions of the DC DOC’s food service program through firsthand accounts of returning citizens and to advocate for change. In 2023, community partners fighting for transformative change scored a major victory when Ward 2 Councilmember and Chair of the DC Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Brooke Pinto, introduced the Food Regulation Ensures Safety Hospitality Special Training Aids Reentry Transition and Success (“FRESH STARTS”) Act of 2023 – first-of-its-kind, comprehensive legislation to transform the DC DOC’s food service program and ensure that people incarcerated in DC have access to safe and nourishing meals.
This website, updated frequently, is the go-to place for resources and action opportunities in support of the FRESH STARTS Act.
“IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE TO TREAT OUR FELLOW RESIDENTS IN THIS MANNER. THE EFFECTS OF POOR NUTRITION AND UNSAFE FOOD IN JAILS LASTS MUCH LONGER THAN THE ACTUAL SENTENCE…” (click image to watch testimony clip )
- WINNIE HOUSTON, DC GREENS, JULY 13, 2023 TESTIMONY
NEWS
Interview:
Ivory Haight
“Inside Voices: Poor Jail Food Fuels Conflict. Will New Legislation Help?”
Returned citizen Ivory Haight speaks with Washington City Paper about why we need to reform and transform DC jail food.
RESOURCES
REPORT: “‘We’re Hungry in Here’: D.C. Department of Corrections Food Survey Results,” 2023
FRESH STARTS Act press release, Office of Councilmember Brooke Pinto (2/2/23)
FRESH STARTS Hearing Testimony (7/13/23)
Contact Us
Interested in other ways to get involved and learn more about the advocacy efforts to
transform the food in the DC jails? Bianca Pak at BPak@impactjustice.org