Kern Valley State Prison is the only facility in CA that has not brought back the hot food option in visitation. They only provide vending containing chips, candy, soda, juice and water. There is no adequate healthy food option for visitors or their incarcerated loved ones. Prior to COVID we had microwaveable food options like burgers and pizza. In Person Visitation has been open post COVID since 4/2022 and as of January 2023 we still do not have hot food options. Because of this some families and visitors have to leave their visit early which is detrimental to rehabilitation for those incarcerated. Sharing a meal with a loved one is also impactful on rehabilitation. Because of the lack of nutrition these men get on a daily basis, most look forward to being fed in visitation because the quality of food is better. Those with health concerns, diabetes, and other issues are having their visits compromised by not being provided with adequate food options in the vending machines. Some visits can last up to 5-6 hours and for visitors such as the elderly, children and those with health issues can not enjoy this time with their loved ones. Inmate Family Council has brought this issue up to the warden in 5 consecutive quarterly meetings. Alternatively there have been suggestions such as salads, fruit, sandwiches, lunchables, and other cold related items with more healthy substances. This has been denied by staff as well as requesting an outside vendor to serve the meals. After proposing the issue to the Warden, an evaluation of the electricity capacity was conducted and staff concluded it would take 10 years to update the electricity to handle the vending machines and computer monitors installed by CDCR for their Video Visitation option. The consideration of relocating the computer monitors was also denied .  
Administration has been aware of these complaints and issues and have been reluctant since January 2022. KVSP refuses to return hot food in vending machines with microwaves. Staff advises visitors to eat before you come as a remedy. 
Please sign this petition to help us bring back the hot food vending option for our very vital visitation with our loved ones. If you have any experiences please provide the details in a comment. 

Thank You for your support, understanding, and time