CIW culinary staff praised for Juneteenth meal

June 30, 2025

The California Institution for Women (CIW) correctional food manager praised culinary staff and incarcerated crews for their Juneteenth culinary creations.

“I am writing to you all: culinary free staff, custody, administrative personnel, and our (incarcerated) workers as well. All of you. I am writing to you all today because I need to express my pride and admiration for your efforts pulling off the magic trick that was our Juneteenth dinner meal,” writes Robert Dyer, the correctional food manager at CIW in Corona. “From concept and preparation to production and serving stage, we wowed the eyes and the tastebuds of everyone who stopped by our serving lines. I am keenly aware of the efforts everyone put forward to make this meal a success. Those efforts aren’t limited to culinary as we are empowered by many departments across this institution.”

He also highlighted the Juneteenth menu, including photos.

“For Juneteenth, when they ask us what we do, we showcased:

Culinary Juneteenth meal at California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona with food on a tray.

Sliders of barbecue shredded beef and coleslaw
Gumbo over rice with red beans
Cheesy scalloped potatoes deluxe
Chicken-on-the-bone and waffles served with strawberry-infused compound butter and fresh strawberries
An ice cream sandwich

“It’s important to recognize the efforts of our food services management, logistical, and administrative teams who authorize, purchase, and procure these components. (They) willingly engage in the creative process to try to think outside the box, allowing us to pursue culinary heights rarely found in correctional food service. We are encouraged to raise the standard in our field,” Dyer writes. “We are empowered.”

Credits custody, supervising cooks, other partners

Food prepared for Juneteenth dinner at CIW.

Barbecue pulled beef sliders with coleslaw at CIW.

“(Thank you to) our custody partners, without whom this would not be possible. It is by their efforts, coordination, and willingness to direct traffic on an extremely busy and in-demand meal, they also help with coordination. By leading the way when it comes to directing our incarcerated persons, (they) efficiently allocate our resources so we can prep, cook, serve, and clean up after. From the yard officers to kitchen officers, we appreciate you helping us. You direct the flow of incarcerated persons while keeping us safe.

“Our incarcerated persons workforce deserves recognition. Despite challenges, common in this industry, it is our collaboration that allows us to overcome obstacles and fulfill our responsibilities. This teamwork extends beyond special occasions. It is the foundation of our daily success. I want our incarcerated workers to know their efforts are valued, and this meal exemplifies our shared commitment to excellence. It is through our incarcerated workforce that we are able to perform any magic at all.

“It’s always been my correctional supervising cooks who make the magic. You can teach someone to cook, but meals and efforts like these prove there is more to it than (just the basics). You can’t teach culinary passion. And, you have all demonstrated your quality as both morning and evening staff came together for days to be able to pull off this meal. They were busy prepping, communicating, planning, and executing.

“I take great pride in each of you, and the institution shares this pride. Your hard work made this event possible, and you have my deepest gratitude. Very. Well. Done,” he concluded.

Submitted by Lt. W. Newborg

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