Prison Christmas menu modest

An example of what prisoners will be eating  on Christmas Day. Photo by Department of Corrections.
An example of what prisoners will be eating on Christmas Day. Photo by Department of Corrections.

In a modern-day Yuletide tradition, the Department of Corrections has released the annual Christmas Day menu for prisoners.

The main meal of the day will be served at lunchtime, and the evening meal will consist of sandwiches.

Corrections National Commissioner Jeremy Lightfoot said the main meal would meet basic nutritional requirements but not be extravagant.

Roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, green peas, two slices of bread and apple pie with custard will be served.

A vegetarian option is also available and special dietary requirements will be catered for.

This year's menu was similar to last year's and would be similar to the food offered at Mt Eden Corrections Facility, which is run by private company Serco.

''We recognise that Christmas can be a tough time for many people who have friends and family members in prison and we are committed to marking the day in an appropriate way,'' Mr Lightfoot said.

Organisations which support prisoners' families through this time include the Prison Fellowship New Zealand (PFNZ), which runs a programme called Angel Tree.

That programme distributes donated gifts or money to buy a gift to enable prisoners to give presents to their children.

Charity for children of prisoners Pillars provides presents for children registered with it as well as a gift and hamper for their parent or caregiver.

Prison visits did not take place on statutory holidays, but they ran as usual over the rest of the holiday period, Mr Lightfoot said.

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