COLUMBUS, Ind. – The cost of food is rising nationwide and the Bartholomew County Jail (BCJ), responsible for feeding hundreds of inmates three nutritious meals per day, is feeling the impact. As of Monday, May 16, the local jail had 256 inmates.
“Feeding inmates at that rate has gotten more challenging since food prices started rising in 2021,” said BCJ commander Major John Martoccia. “We were up 12.5% in 2021 and so far in 2022, we already see a 16% increase.” He continued, “Good management and a no-waste policy are helping but it’s not a long-term solution.”
A hurting supply chain is an added obstacle now with a shortage in certain products and brands. BCJ Food Services might be forced to turn to alternatives. Martoccia said they are doing their best to make it work right now but discussions are taking place about what to do if prices do not level out soon.
He concluded, “At some point, it’s going to be talking to Bartholomew County officials about increasing our budget, whether it comes from county taxpayers or some other avenue.”
