In honor of National Dietitian/Nutritionist Day, we decided to get to know the DOC's Clinical Dietitian, Margaret Gordon. As the department's dietitian, Margaret—who is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist—develops the menus for the inmates in all of our facilities. She analyzes them to make sure they meet all nutritional requirements while providing a healthy overall menu. She also ensures each meal has a protein and non-meat protein option. The following is more of what she does and the importance of having an RD/LDN overseeing the food inmates eat:
I am the sole dietitian for the DOC and have held this position for the past 18 ½ years. As such, I work on the main menus and oversee the therapeutic diet program for the DOC.
Mainline is a collaborative effort. We develop the menu here at Central Office, and facilities provide feedback. I analyze to ensure we meet the nutritional requirements of the general population while providing a healthy menu. All facilities follow the same menu and use the same recipes and products.
We have over 1,000 inmates who are prescribed a diet other than mainline, and another 400+ inmates who receive a religious diet. Approximately 2,000 inmates receive a snack bag each evening [to help with diabetes and other dietary disorders]. Currently there are 132 different therapeutic diet menus and 3 religious diet menus written to support the diet needs of the inmate population.
Medical practitioners may order a diet for inmates when necessary. Needs assessments are completed and recommendations for menus are provided. Dietitians in clinical settings often work hand-in-hand with the physician, other members of the care team and with the pharmacist.
I have been a registered dietitian for over 40 years and was part of the first group of dietitians to be licensed by Pennsylvania in 2002, when state licensure in PA was established.