Florida prison inmates want to keep kosher

Secretary of the Department of Corrections in March told the 'NYT' that more than 4,400 inmates are now requesting kosher meals.

Prison inmates (photo credit: REUTERS)
Prison inmates
(photo credit: REUTERS)

The Florida State prison system has taken a step back on providing access to Kosher meals for prison inmates, because too many want to keep kosher, the New York Times reported on Tuesday.

A federal judge ruled in December that "all prisoners with a sincere religious basis" must be provided with appropriate kosher meals, however it may be weighing down Florida's wallet.
According to the New York Times, Kosher meals in Florida cost $7 a day, whereas standard meals only costs $1.54.
Michael D. Crews, who is expected to be confirmed as secretary of the Department of Corrections in March told the NYT that more than 4,400 inmates are now requesting kosher meals.
Prior to the December ruling, the prison service stopped providing kosher meals in 2007 due to their cost, however the decision was re-implemented.
"Injunctive relief is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to hundreds of Florida prisoners who believe that keeping kosher is an important part of their religious beliefs," wrote US District Court Judge Patricia Seitz in December.
The New York Times reports that the Florida prison system has a deficit of $58 million, which may explain the reason for the previous removal of the program.