facilities in which they are incarcerated for their nutrition,
as well as their health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, It is stated policy of the Department of Corrections
that the regular master menu and various population menus will
be planned based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the
Dietary Reference Intakes; and
WHEREAS, For every meal, a State correctional institution in
this Commonwealth offers a vegetarian entree and special meals
to accommodate religious observances; and
WHEREAS, Although the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and
the Dietary Reference Intakes are intended to protect
incarcerated individuals' health in State correctional
institutions, food has been used as a means of punishment and is
currently being used for behavior modification; and
WHEREAS, In comparison to the general population, a higher
rate of incarcerated individuals report having one or more
chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes;
and
WHEREAS, It is vitally important that the nutritional value
of food at State correctional institutions in this Commonwealth
be examined, as well as the health conditions of incarcerated
individuals to ensure that they are receiving humane treatment
and to bring awareness to their health needs; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on the
nutritional value of food, along with the nutrition-related
health of incarcerated individuals, in State correctional
institutions in this Commonwealth and to issue a report of its
findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives;
and be it further
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