MCSO: Inmates celebrate holiday with 17 cent ham meal

Reported by: Katie Fisher
Last Update: 12/27 10:08 am

PHOENIX -- Nearly 10,000 inmates behind bars in Maricopa County Jails will enjoy a traditional baked ham dinner on Christmas.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says inmates will have baked ham with pineapple sauce, potatoes, cranberry sauce, carrots, bread and butter for Christmas dinner.

Even more impressive? The cost of the holiday spread.

According to an MCSO press release, the traditional ham dinner only costs about $0.17 per person.

Given the ethnic diversity amongst the inmate population, Arpaio reportedly considered a Hispanic feast of tamales to be served on Christmas day, but the cost ruled it out.

The traditional ham dinner was significantly less at $0.17 versus the tamale dinner at $0.74.

"In these economic times, every penny counts. This year the inmates will enjoy a traditional meal instead of spicing it up," said Arpaio.

In November inmates had a similar holiday spread, with $0.18 turkey meals for Thanksgiving.

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