In New York City's Rikers Island jail complex, cooks including Luis Reina face security challenges while preparing meals for thousands. Each ingredient is thoroughly searched for contraband, and measuring utensils are highly controlled due to safety protocols. Despite their efforts, cooks express frustration over the low quality of food, which is closely regulated by the Mayor's Office of Food Policy. Many ingredients are canned or frozen, and health regulations limit the use of salt, impacting meal quality for nonviolent offenders who assist in the kitchens.
Each box of ingredients had to be searched for contraband. The knife was tethered to the counter by a sturdy chain, and the metal spoons came from a cabinet flanked by security guards.
Mr. Reina is frustrated by the poor quality of meals, where every ingredient and recipe is dictated by the Mayor's Office of Food Policy.
Collection
[
|
...
]