What did convits eat?

Convicts in historical penal colonies typically had a diet that included basic staples such as bread, gruel, and porridge, often supplemented by meat, fish, and vegetables when available. Their meals were generally monotonous and not very nutritious, reflecting the limited resources and harsh conditions of the prisons. In some cases, they were required to work for their food or grow their own crops to supplement their diets. The quality and variety of food could vary significantly depending on the location and time period.