MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 107 Reference points ■ Quantity, quality, and variety of the meals? Who decides on the menus? ■ What is the budget for food (annual; detainee/day)? ■ Are there special diets for the sick, the elderly, children accompanying their mothers? ■ When are meal times? Are the intervals between meals appropriate? ■ Do persons have access to food and water outside meal times? ■ Are dietary restrictions for religious reasons respected? ■ Is there a canteen or shop inside the place where detainees can buy food? ■ Can the families bring food? ■ Does the establishment's doctor regularly check up on all dietary aspects of the detention? 3