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The Washington Department of Corrections (WADOC) is serving poor quality food, putting us at risk for foodborne illnesses. 

Our food is cooked the day before, or even days before, before it is placed into a refrigerator until it is ready to be served. It is then placed into a warmer to be re-heated and then served. This process of cooking, cooling, then reheating at haphazard temperatures increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

I have personally experienced symptoms of foodborne illness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. I have since ceased eating any food they serve and am on an institutional food strike. I also see multiple grievances by incarcerated individuals all concerning this issue. Something needs to be done to help us get quality food and stop the practice of serving unsafe food to individuals in WADOC prisons.

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Princess Zoee Andromeda-Love is a transgender writer incarcerated in Washington. She is a passionate advocate for the rights of prisoners and LGBTQIA+ individuals.