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
The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) functions as the major adult male intake and processing unit for the entire state of Illinois. The NRC contains 1,800 beds in 24 housing units. Within the NRC is also the Stateville Minimum Security Unit. Inmates are admitted to the NRC in reception status. They remain in this status until they are transferred to a permanent institution. Privileges and movement are limited at the reception center. There is no set time frame for processing an inmate;
Read more$150 to $200
Read moreFor all federal inmates, it is the same and interchangeable. The phone time is paid for through Trulincs system. The inmate receives money on this account and they can move that money over to their phone time, they can use it for commissary, they can use it for email (Corrlinks) and for paying for medical visits if necessary.
Read moreI absolutely think it is a good thing AND i think the items are fairly priced. I do feel that indigent inmates should be given a weekly stipend if they have no sourcce of outside funds so that there is no perceived gap between the haves and the have nots. Jealousy could create an incident but that is the only downside I see.
Read moreThe commissary lists vary from facility to facility. If you look at this COMMISSARY LIST from a BOP facility, you can see that the prices are not that out of line from a store you'd shop in on the outside. The average weekly amount should never exceed what you can afford. The inmates can survive without extras from the commissary, however, it is really great if you are able to add money and it will definitely help him be more comfortable. We recommend
Read moreInmates can get commissary once per week provided they have money on their account. Sometimes, the order is filled same-day, others it 1-2 day from submittal of the order form. Once the inmate goes through orientation, they can make a phone list and begin calling (again, they'll need money on their books).
Read moreOnce per week
Read moreYes they do, but you will have to place money on the inmate's acount and the inmate will have to select and buy their own items.
Read moreIt depends on where they are incarcerated, all commissary lists are different, but similar in the range of available products. Inmates may buy stamps and writing supplies for mailing letters, they can buy snacks and candy or savory foods like tuna, mackerel, salmon, chicken, soups (add hot water), toiletries, grooming aids, dental and hygiene products, sweatshirts and sneakers and various sundries. I was in county, private and federal prison and by far the most important purchase are your headphones
Read moreNot normally - usually they are bought at the commissary. But since we do not know the prison or jail your inmate is located in, we'd advise you to call the unit secretary at the facility to get their rules on bringing things.
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