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 is usually once a week. Each prison system has their own rules for choice of available items and the weekly/monthly spending limits
Read moreMost facilities where there is colder climate give the warm winter clothing to the inmates, they do not have to buy these items. If that is not the case, the price should be between $20-$50.
Read moreHe needs to go and make an appointment with his counselor and let them know what the facts are in the most respectful way. If there is something wrond, they will fix it.
Read moreNot directly. Indirectly you can through third-party care package vendors or send money to their commissary account and they can buy goodies at the commissary
Read moreYes
Read moreCommissary is once a week in most places. We post the commissary lists for the facility on their InmateAid page, especially federal prison.
Read moreInmates go through an orientation period. Usually inmates can shop within a week of arrival and if they have money on their books
Read moreNot normally. If you are in federal, you cannot. If you are going to state, it depends on which but most do not permit pre-ordering. You can always set up your money beforehand if you have an ID number and shop the day you are eligible.
Read moreThe prison commissary sells envelopes, pens, paper and stamps. They are reasonably priced. If the inmate is indigent, there are provisions made to gift these items to them.
Read moreSneakers are a real commodity in prison. Commissary sells sneakers and other shoe "upgrades" like boots, etc. The charges range from $50-125. There is also a "secondary market" where inmates sell used shoes either from inmates that have upgraded theirs or when someone is released as they departing inmates oftentimes symbolically leave their shoes behind.
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