Commissary — Ask the Inmate
The commissary is one of the most important parts of daily life inside a correctional facility. It is where inmates purchase food to supplement institutional meals, personal care items, stationery, postage, and in many facilities access to phone credits and entertainment. For families on the outside understanding how commissary works, how to put money on an account, and what items are available can make a meaningful difference in their loved one's daily comfort and wellbeing. This section covers how commissary accounts work across federal and state facilities, how much money can be deposited and how often, what items are typically available, how commissary functions as informal currency inside facilities, and how to send money efficiently using approved services. The practical knowledge here comes from people who lived inside and know firsthand what a well-funded commissary account means to someone doing time. See also our sections on Money Transfer, Send Inmate Money, and Prison Food.
Related InmateAid Services
Commissary lists for federal prisons are available on InmateAid. Navigate to the facility's page on the site and scroll down to the Commissary Lists section. You will find itemized lists with current prices. Keep in mind that only the inmate can make purchases at commissary, typically once per week, and they use funds deposited into their inmate account. You can add money to that account through the approved deposit method for their facility, which InmateAid can also help you find.
Read moreInmates are able to buy sneakers, work boots and a variety of socks. Click this link to see an actual commissary list with prices.
Read moreShampoo, soap, and other toiletries are provided to the inmates. Commissary has a selection of upgraded, or brand-name products for sale if the inmate has money on their books to shop. If you were going to help, put some money on their books.
Read moreRemember that the commissary is for the 'little extras'. 75% of inmates never go to the commissary. If you are able to send something without affecting your own ability to survive while they are there, $50-100 per week and they would live like a king/queen.
Read moreThis depends on your finances. If money is no object $300 would be a decent amount to get all the essentials from the commissary and have some money on the phone account too. They "need" a pair of sneakers, a radio and some brand name toiletries that the facility doesn't provide.
Read moreIn federal prison, size 17 shoes can be ordered from the commissary. But, they will provide one pair of work boots for everyday wear, sneakers are a commissary item so they will be charged (about $50)
Read moreReally?? this is not on the commissary list
Read moreWhat facility?
Read moreThese are the rules, your inmate is not checking into the Ritz Carlton. The newly arriving inmates must go through Orientation before they are allowed to participate in ANY privileges. This includes visitation, telephone calls and commissary.
Read more