Justice, Mental Health & Rehabilitation
Menu Review and Development for Correctional facilities, forensic units, mental health hospitals, alcohol & drug rehab centres, recovery-focused housing
At Appetite for Nutrition, we support justice, mental health, and rehabilitation settings with expert menu reviews, development, and nutrition strategies that promote recovery, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
Our Accredited Practising Dietitians work with correctional facilities, forensic mental health units, alcohol and drug rehab centres, and psychosocial residential programs across Australia. We tailor our services to meet the diverse and often complex needs of these environments — balancing cost, logistics, and therapeutic goals.
Why Nutrition Matters in Justice & Recovery Settings
Nutrition is a basic right. Justice and rehabilitation facilities are obligated to provide safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. Dietitians help ensure compliance with food safety and equity standards, while promoting dignity in institutional food service.
Mental health and diet are deeply connected.
- 1 in 2 people in prison have a diagnosed mental illness.
- Diets low in nutrients can worsen depression, anxiety, and mood instability.
Evidence-based studies (like the SMILES trial) show that whole-food diets rich in vegetables, legumes, grains, and healthy fats can significantly reduce symptoms of depression.
Nutrition supports recovery.
- Up to 75% of people in rehab have co-occurring physical health issues.
- Good nutrition helps manage withdrawal symptoms, support medication efficacy, and restore gut and metabolic health.
- Builds positive food routines essential for long-term rehabilitation and independence.
Our Services for Justice, Mental Health & Rehab Facilities
1. Menu Review & Compliance Check
Review of current menu against Australian Dietary Guidelines
Gap analysis for key nutrients (e.g. omega-3s, iron, B12, fibre, zinc)
Review of menu diversity, frequency of vegetables, and adequacy of protein
Identification of nutrition risk (e.g. low-fibre, high-refined carb diets)
Includes cost-effective, achievable recommendations to improve nutrition within operational constraints.
2. Full Menu Development
Balanced, seasonal menus aligned with nutritional needs and therapeutic goals
Consideration of institutional constraints (e.g. kitchen size, security, staffing)
Options for special diets, vegetarian choices, cultural foods, and budget-friendly recipes
Support for food service teams with menu rotation and portion control
3. Recipe Development & Support
Easy-to-implement, scalable recipes suitable for bulk cooking
Nutrient-optimised versions of familiar favourites
Support with reducing ultra-processed foods and improving fibre intake
4. Special Diets, Mental Health & Supplementation
Menus adapted for diabetes, cardiovascular risk, food allergies, coeliac disease
Support for individuals with disordered eating, binge eating, or undernutrition
Fortification and supplementation advice for weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, or psychiatric medication side effects
5. Staff Training & Program Support
Training for kitchen and care staff on best practices for nutrition, food safety, and therapeutic diets
Support for rehabilitation food groups, meal planning sessions, and cooking programs
Resources for residents to support transition back into the community with simple, nutritious eating habits
Why Choose Appetite for Nutrition?
✔ Experienced Dietitians – in rehabilitation and mental health nutrition
✔ Flexible Support Models – We offer both remote and onsite services across Australia
✔ Trauma-Informed & Practical – We tailor recommendations to fit complex settings with dignity and respect
✔ Culturally Inclusive Nutrition – Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
✔ Recovery-Oriented – Our approach aligns with clinical care plans, psychosocial goals, and long-term behaviour change
✔ Collaborative Approach – We work closely with food service managers, nursing teams, and allied health staff.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to improve your facility’s menu or mealtime experience, we’re here to help. 📞 Contact Appetite for Nutrition today
Contact us today to begin your journey towards a better you
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