A new report has revealed the daily challenges facing prisoners with food allergies, intolerances, and/or medical dietary conditions.

Though prisons are supposed to offer healthy and varied meals that meet religious, cultural and special dietary requirements, many people in prison report being unable to access appropriate food for themselves.

“I have Crohn’s disease and my diet is not right — no help with it at all. Can’t buy fresh fruit or veg, half the food is terrible and wouldn’t feed a 10-year-old.”

“It’s really not enough to feed an adult, and being Type 1 diabetic is not catered for at all.”

“Kitchens need to have more options for dietary needs. I’m losing too much weight due to not being able to eat the right stuff.”

Concerns over cross-contamination and unclear labelling regularly led to inmates skipping meals, or turning to canteen alternatives, which were often less nutritious or more expensive.

Such prisoners were subsequently more likely to experience low mood, frustration, poor emotional regulation, and reduced engagement with education, work or rehabilitative programmes.

For more information, click here.