Inmates’ festive feast a tasty $ 9.21 per person

Forget honey- glazed ham or pavlova, the Department of Corrections has revealed the “basic, nutritious” meal prisoners across New Zealand will be tucking into this Christmas.

The meals will consist of roast chicken, gravy and vegetables for lunch, and chicken luncheon, relish and salad sandwiches for dinner, along with two Christmas mince pies to acknowledge the day.

“This is the same meal that has been served for a number of years,” said Corrections chief custodial officer Neil Beales.

A vegetarian option of hummus and salad sandwiches will be available for Christmas dinner, while vegetarian patties are available for lunch.

About 9000 prisoners across the country will be tucking into the standard Christmas menu this year, for $ 9.21 each for the day.

“This includes the normal daily budgeted cost for food of $ 8.21 for the 2023/ 24 financial year, plus $ 1 for the two Christmas mince pies,” Corrections said.

Alongside the Christmas meals prepared and cooked by prisoners, Beales said additional sports and activities will be offered where possible as well as “family days”.

“We know Christmas can be a really difficult time, particularly for the families of those in prison. Throughout December we run a number of family days where children can visit their mum or dad in prison and read books, make gifts and play games to make the Christmas period special.”

Corrections said staff and prisoners had been busy giving back to the community in the lead- up to the festive season.

Prisoners have grown and donated vegetables to foodbanks and made planter boxes and wooden Christmas trees for marae and schools.