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.
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Subject: Commissary
At Kirkland Correctional Institution, inmates are allowed to use commissary, as long as they have funds and are not under disciplinary restrictions.
Commissary access:
Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and basic supplies
Access may be limited temporarily if they are in segregation or have disciplinary issues
About meals and shaving concerns:
Facilities are required to provide meals that meet minimum nutritional standards. While portions may feel small, they are designed to meet daily requirements.
Inmates are not supposed to be denied meals as punishment for things like shaving. However:
There are...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
At places like Madison Work Center, there is no single “right” amount to send. What inmates spend varies a lot based on habits, appetite, and what they are used to having.
Here is a realistic breakdown:
Basic needs (covered by the facility):
Toiletries like soap and toothpaste (basic versions)
Meals (standard portions)
Clothing and essentials
Commissary extras:
This is where your money goes:
Better hygiene items (name-brand, more comfortable)
Snacks and drinks
Writing supplies
Occasional clothing or shoes
Typical spending ranges:
$50–$100/month: basic comfort, careful spending
$100–$200/month: more snacks and better products
$200–$300+/month: frequent snacks, extras, and convenience items
So...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
At Silverdale Detention Center (formerly operated by Corrections Corporation of America), many facilities have moved away from collect calls.
The main reason is cost and system changes:
Collect calls are often the most expensive type of inmate call
Phone providers are shifting to prepaid and debit systems instead
Facilities prefer systems where billing is clearer and controlled
While it feels like a loss, collect calls usually end up costing more per call than prepaid options.
Lower-cost options to consider:
Set up a prepaid phone account with the facility’s provider
Use a local number setup to reduce long distance charges
If possible, have...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
Go to the FCI Gilmer prison page on our website and click "Send Money" it will take you directly to the correct place on the Western Union website to send money into the Federal system. Use State Code: DC and City Code: FBOP
Subject: Commissary
yes, newspaper subscriptions are allowed in all federal prisons
Subject: Commissary
Commissary setup is not a complicated process but it does require knowing the right channel for the specific facility your inmate is at, since each facility works with a contracted provider that handles trust account deposits.
The inmate trust account is essentially a personal spending account that lives inside the correctional system. Money deposited into it does not go directly to the inmate in cash. Instead it sits as a balance the inmate can draw from when they place a commissary...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
Putting money on an inmate’s commissary account can allow them to make phone calls, but it depends on how that facility’s phone system is set up.
There are two common ways calls are paid for:
1. Inmate pays from commissary funds:
Money you send goes into their account
They can use it to buy phone time or calling cards
Downside: they can also spend it on other items, not just calls
2. You set up a phone account:
You create and fund an account with the facility’s phone provider
Calls...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
JPay.com is the best way to send money to your inmate at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women (formerly called the Clinton State Women's Prison)
Subject: Commissary
It depends on the facility. There is no universal rule, and policies vary considerably between county jails, state prisons, and federal facilities.
Some county jails do allow family members to bring or send clothing directly, particularly for inmates who are awaiting trial and have not yet been issued a facility uniform. In those cases there are usually strict guidelines about what is acceptable, specific colors, no underwire, no gang-affiliated colors, and items must often be new with tags attached.
Most state and...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
The commissary is priced similarly to a normal grocery store. Some items are more expensive, some are less expensive and there are always going to be people that say it's "too expensive". But, every inmate looks forward to their commissary day (one designated day per week). Depending on where your inmate is, inmates may spend about $200 - $300 per month on the commissary
Subject: Commissary
This depends on where your inmate is incarcerated. Many facilities have the commissary on premises and you just add money to their trust account - they shop for themselves once a week. Let us know the name of the prison or detention center and we will see if there are any other alternatives.
Subject: Commissary
For Pam Lychner State Jail, the easiest way to send money is through JPay.
Sending money:
Go to JPay and create an account
Enter the inmate’s ID number and facility
Use a debit or credit card to deposit funds
JPay is widely used in Texas and is usually the fastest and most reliable option.
Visitation information:
Visitation schedules and rules can change, so it is best to:
Call the facility directly to confirm current hours and requirements
Make sure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list
Ask about dress code and ID...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
It depends on the security classification of the prison/detention center. Some are strict no-contact visitations and others have a picnic-like setting where you can interact and have light contact, even enjoying snacks from a variety of vending machines.
Subject: Commissary
Buenas tardes Jossie, La unica manera de que le podamos enviar el dinero es emitiendo una facture en su cuenta de InmateAid que una vez que usted page, nosotros nos encargamos de enviarle el dinero a la persona su esposo. Si usted quisiera mandar por ejemplo $100 tendria que pagar $31.63 de los cargos de transaccion y envio, esta seria la forma mas rapida de ayudarla. Por favor dejenos saber si quiere hacer el tramite. Gracias y que tenga buen...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
Intake is where the people coming into a facility are first processed. They are usually there for several hours to several days. Once they are designated, they are usually moved to a more "permanent" housing facility.
