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The mess hall was one of the most dangerous areas within the prison. Inmates had access to utensils that could be weapons, and there were regular incidents of violence. However, the guards were well-prepared, often brandishing submachine guns to restore order quickly.

Quality and Protests

Remarkably, Alcatraz's culinary offerings were considered superior to many other prisons in the U.S. The meals prepared included breakfast items like shredded wheat and griddle cakes, alongside lunch and dinner options that were akin to a restaurant experience. Yet, behind the facade of good food lay a tension; inmates sometimes used food as a form of protest.