Cook-Chill System Enhances Meal Service at Men’s Central Jail

Richard Sykes
4 hours ago
2 min read

Overview of the New Meal Program

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Food Services Unit has introduced a pre-portioned hot meal program at Men’s Central Jail, representing a significant advancement in inmate dining services. This marks the most substantial improvement in meal quality and delivery in decades.

Innovative Cook-Chill Process

The program leverages an advanced Cook-Chill system, allowing meals to be prepared in-house. Head cooks work alongside dieticians to ensure each meal meets recommended dietary standards. The process involves cooking the main course, cooling it rapidly to 33 degrees, and then portioning it into biodegradable containers with designated side dishes. These containers are sealed and frozen, maintaining freshness and consistency.

Prior to serving, meals are reheated and placed into temperature-regulated food transport carts for distribution to housing locations. The program is carefully designed by dieticians and dietetic advisors to meet daily requirements for calories, protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.

Quality Assurance and Nutritional Standards

Menus undergo review by the Department of Public Health to ensure compliance with established nutritional and safety guidelines. By utilizing pre-portioned, hot, sealed meals in compostable trays, LASD guarantees consistent and nutritious servings while maintaining food safety standards.

Specially designed containers preserve meal temperature for at least four hours, allowing reliable service regardless of timing or facility logistics.

Positive Results and Vocational Opportunities

Since adopting the Cook-Chill system, food waste has decreased by up to 15%, thanks to improved control over meal preparation and portioning. Inmates have responded favorably, expressing appreciation for the hot and reliably served meals.

The program also creates vocational training opportunities for inmates, who participate in meal preparation and learn culinary skills under the supervision of professional cooks, aiding rehabilitation and providing valuable work experience.

Program Feedback and Expansion Plans

“We take all inmate complaints and the input from our oversight entities very seriously,” said Assistant Sheriff Paula Tokar. The original design of Men’s Central Jail caused delays in delivering meals at the optimal temperature. Funding was secured to implement the Cook-Chill program, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback has led LASD to pursue expansion across the entire jail system. The goal is to continually improve confinement conditions whenever possible.

After a soft launch on two floors in September 2025, the program expanded facility-wide on November 9, 2025. Future expansion is planned for the Century Regional Detention Facility and the Twin Towers Correctional Facility within the following year.

Holiday Menu and Ongoing Commitment

For the November holiday, inmates at Men’s Central Jail enjoyed a special menu including roasted turkey, candied yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, green salad with dressing, a dinner roll, pumpkin muffin, and 1% chocolate milk.

The LASD Food Services Unit remains dedicated to continuous improvement and sustainability, ensuring all food operations uphold the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and care.