Q. My friend is 6'4, 220 lbs. the problem is the food (in prison) is very meager. For me, I have a small frame so I am okay but he is always hungry. Can he eat treif (non kosher) for survival?
A. It seems unlikely that someone would starve to death in an American prison. You may want to consult with the local chaplain as to how to extend his kosher food allowance. In a case of dire need, bread and cereals that do not have a printed kashrus symbol may still be considered kosher.
He may be helped if the prison provides a vegetarian diet when needed.
Check if there is a Jewish community close to this facility that could be contacted to provide help.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
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