News Release - January 3, 2007
Georgia Department of Corrections
James E. Donald, Commissioner
Director of Public Information
Susan Phillips
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
For Immediate Release
“PETA” Honors Georgia Department of Corrections
Georgia placed fourth on top ten- list of vegetarian meals offered
Atlanta –Georgia Department of Corrections Director of Food Services, Norman Wilson, was honored today at the monthly GDOC Board Meeting, held in Atlanta. Wilson received a certificate and letter of appreciation from PETA, making the top ten-list of state prison systems to offer vegetarian meals as an option to inmates.
The Alternative Entrée Program
has been up and running at Hancock State
Prison for about eleven months.
“
Certainly, positive effects on overall
inmate health care can be anticipated,
long term.” said Wilson. “It’s
too early to determine any significant
healthcare benefits.”
“Whenever you see convicted criminals turning away from an animal based diet, it’s a good sign,” says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. “We commend Georgia for helping to protect inmates’ health and deeply held beliefs.” PETA wants every state to mandate vegetarian options for prisoners, just as the Federal prison system does.
Georgia is also nationally known for its efficient Food and Farm operations, with the ability to raise and grow enough food to feed an inmate three meals a day for under $3 dollars.
As the fifth largest prison system in
the United States the department is responsible
for supervising nearly
60,000 state prisoners and 140,000 probationers.
The Department of Corrections is the largest
law enforcement agency in the state with
nearly 15,000 employees.
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