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Information has gone out to establishments to train non-catering staff how to use kitchen equipment in the event that catering staff are not available. The use of prisoners under supervision can be used for low level tasks but will require some hygiene training. Prisoners already trained as part of the kitchen party would be the ideal workers to be used and supervised for meal production. Prisons are to receive two days’ supply of frozen complete meals per prisoner to hold as a contingency stock. Should they require more these will be dispatched by Bid food, our national supplier
Options that are being put in place above the complete meal options include:
- Contingency non-perishable food stocks are being sourced and will be despatched to establishments to hold for a contingency of basic commodities which catering managers have said they could base a menu on.
Depending on the level of staff:
- In the event of a reduced catering staff team, plans should include deferring to a reduced menu that meets all dietary and religious needs if necessary, with a minimum of two choices that meet all dietary and religious needs.
- Local contingency plans to take into account staff shortages especially catering staff as well as lack of prisoner labour have been relayed.
- Volunteer non-catering staff should receive training on how to use prime catering equipment such as ovens as a priority and this should begin immediately.
- Those same staff should receive basic hygiene training that includes receiving and storing food deliveries, re-heating and transportation of hot and cold food, this could be delivered locally by catering staff but should be recorded.
- As some of the contingency food lines will require hydration with boiling water there should be an adequate supply of kettles or flasks on site for prisoner use.
- Local contingencies should include providing sufficient freezer capacity to store frozen ready meals and sandwiches. It may be necessary to rent additional portable freezers – catering managers will be provided with contact details of suitable suppliers.
- In the event of prisoners’ meals being delivered to cells it is recommended that any allergen or other dietary requirements of the prisoners are posted outside the cell door.