In September 2022 the World Bank warned of a possible global recession and a string of financial crises that would do ‘lasting harm’ in emerging market and developing economies. It is estimated that recent austerity measures brought in by the majority of the world’s governments will negatively affect 6.7 billion people in 2023 (or 75% of humanity), and especially harm women. According to the Global Report on Food Crisis 2022 Mid-year Update, up to 205 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity and to be in need of urgent assistance in 45 countries. The people detained and working in prison systems which are typically underfunded are among those greatly negatively impacted by the economic downturn and such measures.
People in prison often rely on family members to bring food, medicine, and other essentials.
Like in the community, rising costs in prisons impact a range of essential commodities and services from food and energy to transport and staffing. The Scottish Prison Service, for example, has reported that its gas and electricity bills have increased by 47% and the cost of providing food to people in prison has risen by 17% (and may increase by up to 30%) due to inflation, with no increase in government spending on the prison system. In the US, detainees are paid an average of USD $0.13 –0.52 per hour, with wages having remained stagnant for years, and in some cases decades, despite ongoing inflation and recent sharp rises in prices from economic uncertainty. This means that many detainees do not have access to prison commissaries to purchase a broader range of foods than that available in the cafeteria, especially in times of soaring inflation.182
Particularly in low-income countries, people in prison often rely on family members to bring food, medicine, and other essentials. Because prison populations overwhelmingly come from poorer communities, rising costs of living mean their ability to support relatives in prison is reduced as family budgets are stretched further. In Lebanon, for example, detainees have been significantly affected by the country’s food security crisis, with prison authorities reducing the quality and quantity of food. This is exacerbated by the fact that families can also no longer afford provisions from the small shop near the prison where inflation has made prices unaffordable for many. This has led to warnings of severe health consequences if the food shortages continue.
Reduced budgets can also limit access to health services in prison.
Austerity measures and staff shortages in English prisons frequently result in the postponement or cancellation of healthcare appointments outside prisons, according to a recent study. In addition, the study found that death and disability rates among people in prison have increased due to insufficient access to healthcare services, such as surgeries and cancer treatment.
In the face of economic crises affecting prisons worldwide, self-sufficient prisons have been looked to as a means for people in prison to do more productive, meaningful work while gaining formal job qualifications. For example, a multi-agency initiative called ‘Green Prisons’ has been launched in South Sudan where prison farms will be established to address the challenges of food security in prison settings. South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services has increased prison self-sufficiency through agricultural productivity, vegetable and fruit production, milk production, chicken-broilers, chicken-layers, red meat and white meat abattoirs, and piggeries in prison farms.