Food Behind Bars (UK)
Food Behind Bars is the UK’s only registered charity dedicated to improving the food served in British prisons. Food Behind Bars believes that food has the power to transform people’s lives. They work with men’s and women’s prisons across England & Wales on the food they provide, improving the prospects of those eating it and support the people making it.
Their aim is to positively impact the health and wellbeing of prisoners by delivering practical food-based education, promoting healthy eating, and supporting catering teams in serving better quality food.
In 2023/24, the Eurofins Foundations is supporting Food Behind Bars in their ambition to inspire change in prison kitchens.
Food Behind Bars will develop a four-month Prison Food Education Programme, involving practical and digital modules, as well as membership to a community network for ongoing support. The programme is for prison catering teams – both staff and prisoners – and is designed to upskill, inspire and educate.
It will enable prison catering teams to develop healthier recipes, produce homemade bread instead of processed loaves, gain a deeper understanding of nutrition, and learn how to foster a positive kitchen culture. They will become part of a network of prison catering managers, food educators, academics, nutritionists and chefs who will support their journey to healthier food and healthier prisons.
Some of the expected outcomes of this programme are:
- Prisoners have access to freshly prepared and nutritious food and are more self-sufficient and sustainable.
- Prisoners and staff are educated in the benefits of eating well.
- Prisoners’ mental and physical health is improved.
- Evidence is produced demonstrating the economic, social and health benefits of better food in prison.
This project contributes to the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
