Jail Food FAQ's

Ever wonder what the food is like in the jail?  Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions:

Q: Who makes the food?

A: The County contracts with Aramark Corporation for food service. Inmate workers help with meal preparation and earn a daily stipend of $1. 

Q: How many meals does the jail make every day?

A: The jail kitchen prepares approximately 1450 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).  That adds up to 529,250 meals a year!  This includes meals that are prepared in the jail kitchen and transported to the Juvenile Detention facility and the Community Justice Transition Center in Talent.

Q: How much does it cost to feed inmates?

A: Per contract with Aramark, the county pays approximately $385,000 per year for meals.  It seems like a big number, but it’s actually well below the amount paid by other jails in Oregon, per inmate.

Q: What does it taste like?

A: It’s not gourmet, but it meets general nutrition guidelines.  The meals provide an average of 2800 calories per inmate, per day.

Q: What if an inmate doesn’t like what’s on the menu?

A: Inmates can choose to not eat the food provided, but there is no option to substitute anything.  The jail does make some allowances for specific dietary or medical reasons.  Of course, the best way to avoid eating jail food is to avoid getting arrested.