Inmates forced to cut back on amount of milk they drink

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Inmates forced to cut back on amount of milk they drink

 

Friday, May 26, 2000

By JOHN HUGHES

http://www.seattlep-i.com/local/milk26.shtml

 

OLYMPIA -- The milk no longer flows freely at Washington prisons.

 

Inmates used to be able to drink as much milk as they wanted at meals. But that

was changed two weeks ago to save money and give inmates a healthier diet, said

Cheryl Johnson, food program manager for the state Department of Corrections.

 

Johnson, a registered dietitian, suggested limiting the milk in response to a

1998 legislative audit report that recommended trimming Corrections spending.

It's also part of a " heart-healthy " diet, because drinking more than 16 ounces

of milk per day could lead to high cholesterol in inmates, she said.

 

Inmates at most state prisons now get up to two cartons of milk -- totaling 16

ounces -- at the morning meal. Some prisoners have complained, and some have

filed grievances, alleging the milk is gone by the time they are served their

meals.

 

Johnson said the inmates consume about 3,000 calories each day, more than enough

for most adult men.

 

" The suggestion was given by no means to deplete anyone or to upset anyone, " she

said.

 

Milk can cost about 14 percent of the total portion of a meal, which makes it a

logical place to cut back, Johnson said.

 

http://www.seattlep-i.com/local/milk26.shtml

 

 

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