Alternative Entrée Program Production Kitchen Opens

Commissioner : Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Offsite Facility Designed for Alternative Meal Preparation

FORSYTH, Ga - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) announced today the opening of the agency’s first Alternative Entree Program (AEP) Production Kitchen, specifically designed to meet the needs of a growing population of offenders requiring alternative or religious diet entrees.  The new facility, operated by Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI), will initially begin preparing certified Kosher entrees, with plans to expand the operation to provide additional alternative meals, including halal. 

“We are pleased to partner with GCI in this vital project,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward.   “This represents an important step in maintaining our commitment to providing menu alternatives for our offender population, as the need for such accommodations increases.”

To ensure all requirements and guidelines surrounding alternative entrees are met, a Registered  dietician and a religious clergy member will provide oversight of proper preparation, dietary specifications, while following strict health department regulations.  The Kosher meals will be prepared, sealed, bagged, flash-frozen, and stamped with the Kosher certified symbol at the offsite kitchen. A 30-day, thaw-and-serve supply will then be transported via refrigerated vehicle to facilities across the state, where offenders with alternative entrée requirements are housed. 

A pilot of the alternative entrée program packaged items has been implemented at Wilcox State Prison, and future expansion is planned for additional facilities. 

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising approximately 47,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.