TV actress and model Pamela Anderson helped to serve the so-called "slop" all-vegetarian meals to Phoenix prisoners on Wednesday. She made a guest appearance at the jail to promote the controversial sheriff's vegan program.
Joe Arpaio's program has served over 8,000 inmates and saved approximately $200,000 per year, according to The Washington Post. The vegetarian program is running for 16 months already. Inmates receive a peanut butter sandwich, oranges, and crackers for brunch, while dinners consist of various veggie and soy dishes.
Anderson has been a vegan since she was an early teen, when she saw her father cleaning an animal he had killed. She is also a spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Dan Matthews, a Vice President of PETA, says that the output of the Phoenix prison's food factory plant that he visited in March was healthy. He was "impressed" by the fresh produce he saw.
However, a Fox News reporter observed in 2013 that carrots in the prison's stew were brown, and soy had the appearance of "wood chips."
Arpaio replied that it was likely "just dirt." Some of the inmates have described the food served at the prison as "slop," according to Daily Mail.
Anderson has received some criticism for her support of Arizona's sheriff. "America's Toughest Sheriff" is the nickname he has given himself.
Arpaio has become infamous for his controversial opinions and racial profiling for the purpose of law enforcement. He claims that he provides "equal opportunity" by locking up "everybody."
Anderson toured the Phoenix prison, which includes an outdoor area called Tent City, for U.S. immigrants. In summer the temperatures there can skyrocket to 137° F (58.3° C).