San Antonio Food Bank: Is the Food for the Inmates or the Officers and Their Homes?

Is the Food for the Inmates or the Officers and Their Homes?

San Antonio Food Bank We Need Answers 

Recent donations from the San Antonio Food Bank to the McConnell Unit have raised concerns among inmates regarding the distribution of the food. Inmates claim that the donated food is primarily being consumed by the officers rather than being allocated to feed the inmates. This alleged injustice has sparked a debate on whether the donations are truly reaching those in need or being diverted elsewhere.

Letter #1: A Need for Transparency

In one letter, an inmate reveals that while there were other food items donated, such as frozen pizzas and cookie dough, all they received were strawberries. The inmate questions the allocation process and suggests that contacting the San Antonio Food Bank to inquire about the exact contents of the donation would shed light on the issue. This inmate believes it is crucial for the public to know how their donations are being utilized.

Letter #2: Inmate Testimony

Another inmate, writing to Angela, shares a distressing account of the donated food being consumed by officers in front of the inmates. The letter claims that after being given only strawberries, the remaining food was taken home by officers or left to spoil. The inmate seeks Angela's assistance in reaching out to the food bank and requesting a copy of the manifest to verify the items donated. The author highlights that the inmates' food rations have deteriorated over time, making this issue even more important to address.

Institutional Corruption and the Need for Immediate Action:

These letters raise serious concerns about the allocation of donated food within the McConnell Unit. If true, this signifies a blatant display of corruption and calls into question the administration's unwillingness to address such matters. The need for transparency and accountability is evident, as inmates clearly express their frustration with the current state of affairs.

Addressing the Issue:

It is imperative that the allegations made by the inmates be thoroughly investigated. The San Antonio Food Bank should be contacted to clarify the contents of the donation, as it is crucial for the public to understand if their contributions are actually benefiting the intended recipients. Requesting a copy of the manifest from the day in question would help shed light on the matter.

Furthermore, immediate action needs to be taken to ensure that the donated food reaches the inmates who are in need. If there is evidence of officers consuming the donated food for their own benefit, appropriate measures must be taken to rectify this situation. The inmates' plea for help and assistance should not go unheard, and steps must be taken to address this alleged corruption within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

The recent donations from the San Antonio Food Bank to the McConnell Unit have sparked concerns among inmates regarding the distribution of food. In their letters, the inmates express their disappointment and frustration, alleging that officers are consuming the donated food instead of it being given to them. These allegations highlight the need for transparency and accountability within the distribution process. It is imperative that the allegations be thoroughly investigated, and steps be taken to ensure that the donated food reaches the intended recipients. The San Antonio Food Bank should be contacted to clarify the contents of the donation, and a copy of the manifest should be requested for verification. This issue calls for immediate action to address the alleged corruption and ensure that donated food is appropriately distributed to those in need.

we

 need 

answers 

RESPONSE FROM TDCJ 

Good Morning, Ms. Thomas.

 

I have received your complaint on the San Antonio Food Bank’s (SAFB) food donation to the William G. McConnell Unit on or about January 31, 2024. Please know, we are working on this matter which may take some time due to the documents we first need to obtain – some from TDCJ and some from SAFB. Based on the documentation, we will then decide how best to proceed.

 

Additionally, while we are working on this matter, we are also working on the other numerous complaints which are sent to us daily. The Independent Ombudsman’s office is typically not able to solely work on just one complaint at a time. Based on office resources, this is not practical. When we consider the number of complaints which are prioritized for an investigation, divided by the number of Ombudspersons in this office, each Ombudsperson is required to manage a rolling caseload.

 

For reference, your case number is 24-0000-1194

 

Brian J. Patrick, CCE, CCM Director, Office of the Independent Ombudsman   Office: (936) 437-5640  Fax: (325) 223-1334 P.O. Box 99 Huntsville, TX 77342 www.tdcj.texas.gov/tbcj/oio

Effective communication begins and ends with

your ability to see yourself as you are seen.