In August, more than 500 of Iowa’s most dangerous offenders were moved into the new $166 million Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. The new facility is a quantum leap ahead of the “old fort,” as it was known, some of which dated back to the 1830s, before Iowa became a state.
On this River to River segment, host Ben Kieffer takes a tour of the prison’s cafeteria and kitchen, where three meals a day are prepared and served by offenders. Warden Nick Ludwick describes the cooking process, the way service practices reduce contraband and conflict, and why a nutritious, sometimes delicious meal is important in a maximum security facility.
Next Tuesday, October 20 at noon CT, the entire River to River episode will be dedicated to learning about the new penitentiary. [Listen to the show here]