Correctional facilities have varying requirements for special menus that meet prescribed medical or religious needs.
Religious menus might include pork-free items for those of Muslim and Jewish faiths, or vegetarian fare for Hare Krishnas. To accommodate these requirements, many facilities offer a pork-free menu or an alternate meatless entree to aid in controlling costs and simplify production.
During preparation for religious holidays some meals are offered at special times, as during Ramadan, when fasting takes place between sunrise and sunset; or Lent, when abstinence of meat is observed on Fridays for Catholics and Orthodox faiths.
Medical diets vary among facilities. Usually, there are standard diets for each medical condition or combinations of diets to accommodate more than one medical condition. The latter is becoming more popular as it simplifies production and allows for less error and confusion on the diet serving line. Usually, the state manual or DOC diet manual sets the standard for the types of diets planned and served.
Working with medical staff, clergy, state dietitians, and other governing authorities, CNC aids in ensuring accuracy and compliance with all requirements.