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Prisons: Food

Asked by Jack RankinConservativeMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 15 October 2025UIN 80994

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the estimated average cost of a prisoner's breakfast is according to the latest available data.

Answered by Jake Richards

Data about expenditure on food and specific meals is not held centrally. Prison food budgets are determined locally (by the Governor in public sector prisons or the Director in privately managed prisons). They are kept under review as part of normal non-pay budget allocation. Our policy sets out clear expectations to provide for three balanced nutritious meals a day, including breakfast and catering managers are provided guidance to support this.

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