Hangry behind bars: Female offenders’ experiences with formal foodways in a South African prison

• In Event: PWG - More than a meal: The role of nutrition and food practices in prisons

Abstract

Poorly prepared or unpalatable food is commonly referred to as “prison food”. However, this is often the harsh reality that incarcerated offenders face, especially in developing settings with constrained resources. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 female prisoners to determine their experiences with the formal foodway system in a South African prison. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed several themes and subthemes, including how food impacted and shaped the identities of women after imprisonment. On the one hand, some women took a pragmatic and survivalist approach that food is simply a means to an end. In contrast, others presented visceral experiences to the food they received, particularly regarding the absence of choice and influence in meal preparation with resultant expressions of powerlessness and despondence. The lack of fresh produce – especially fruit that women had to barter or pay for – featured as a key concern. Some women frequently skipped meals because of the repetitive and tasteless nature of the food. In addition, the inadequate quality and quantity of food had negative consequences for the women; some gained or lost weight, while the health of others deteriorated because the meals did not complement their chronic conditions and medication. The preponderance of starch in daily diets was especially lamented. In general, the formal prison foodway was experienced as an unwarranted extension of their punishment which forced the women to engage in informal and sometimes illegal foodway practices to regain some level of personal autonomy and cultural expression. Although the South African government legislated food provision to inmates, the experiences of female prisoners suggest inadequate acknowledgement and implementation. The implications of poor food provision for corrections management and rehabilitation policy and practice will be discussed.

Author

• Francois Steyn, University of the Free State, South Africa