Improve Food Quality and Safety at Fresno County Jail
For families with loved ones inside Fresno County Jail, the pain of separation is hard enough—but learning they are being served unsafe, inadequate meals makes it unbearable. Moldy bread, spoiled milk, and tiny portions are not “meals”; they are neglect. This is why we must speak up.

Petition Description
Inmates at Fresno County Jail are being served unsafe, inadequate, and nutritionally poor meals every single day. Loved ones have reported that inmates receive only one hot meal per day, commonly called “slop.” Breakfast and lunch are served cold and in extremely small portions—sometimes nothing more than cereal or a peanut butter &jelly sandwich. Even worse, bread is sometimes moldy, milk is spoiled, and other items arrive unsafe to eat.

Lunch often consists of a small “meat rack” intended for a sandwich, or once again just peanut butter and bread. Dinner, the only hot meal inmates receive, is served in portions far too small to maintain basic health.

This is not simply poor planning. It is a human rights issue and a serious concern for the wellbeing of every person housed in the county jail. When people are incarcerated, the county becomes responsible for providing meals that are safe, sufficient, and nutritious. Offering spoiled food or portions too small to sustain someone is unacceptable and deeply inhumane.

Adequate meals support physical health, mental stability, rehabilitation, and overall dignity. Fresno County Jail must take immediate action to address these dangerous and degrading conditions.

 
Our Goal
We are urging Fresno County officials—including the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Jail Management, and the Board of Supervisors—to:

Conduct a full and transparent review of current food service practices
Ensure all meals meet minimum nutritional and safety standards
Stop the distribution of spoiled or unsafe food
Provide adequate portions for all three meals
Improve storage, handling, and monitoring procedures
Consider contracting with local businesses to provide fresh, quality meals
Establish ongoing oversight to prevent future neglect
By achieving these goals, we can make sure Fresno County Jail provides food that meets basic standards of health and human dignity.

 
Why Your Signature Matters
No one—regardless of their mistakes—deserves to be fed spoiled food or go hungry. Signing this petition shows Fresno County that the community will not tolerate unsafe, inhumane treatment. Your voice can push leaders to step up, investigate, and make real changes.

Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can demand accountability and dignity for those in Fresno County Jail.