More fruit, less fat: Prison food gets a makeover

INDIANAPOLIS – Prison food in Indiana is getting a healthy makeover.

The Indiana Department of Correction says it’s introducing a new reduced-sodium, low-cholesterol menu.

Fresh fruit will be served in place of baked desserts, and fried foods will no longer be served. Fewer high-fat items will be on the menu. Prisoners will be offered an average of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Officials say the new menu has 20 percent lower sodium levels than the current diet.
DOC Commissioner Edwin Buss says a healthier diet can save taxpayers’ money by lowering prisoners’ risks of heart disease and other medical problems.