Hundreds of prisoners will be learning valuable catering skills by preparing and cooking meals this Christmas Day.
Chief custodial officer Neil Beales said a basic, nutritious meal will be served for all the inmates.
"Roast chicken, gravy and vegetables for lunch, and chicken luncheon, relish and salad sandwiches for dinner, along with two Christmas mince pies to acknowledge the day," he said.
A vegetarian option of hummus and salad sandwiches is available for Christmas dinner, while vegetarian patties are available for lunch.
"This is the same meal that has been served for a number of years," he said.
"We know Christmas can be a really difficult time, particularly for the families of those in prison.
"Throughout December we run a number of family days where children can visit their mum or dad in prison and read books, make gifts and play games to make the Christmas period special."
To help give prisoners skills to prepare them for employment upon release, all meals in prison are cooked by prisoners taking part in industry training and employment in prison kitchens, under the supervision of qualified instructors.
Prison staff and people in prison have also been busy giving back to the community in the lead-up to Christmas this year.
People in Dunedin on community work sentences have made wooden Christmas trees, learning tool safety, craftsmanship and teamwork, which are then donated to schools in the region.
Meanwhile at Tongariro Prison, men working in the prison nursery have grown and donated fresh vegetables to the Tūrangi Foodbank.
"For many of the approximately 9000 people in prison, the lead-up to Christmas provides the opportunity to make a difference in their community, and gives them a sense of purpose," said Beales.
Staff at prisons and Community Corrections sites across the country have also been busy spreading Christmas cheer through collecting and donating food and toys to local charities.
"It's important for us to recognise that many of our staff will be working right throughout the break," Beales said.
