LIVE ARCHIVE UPDATED DAILY

Commissary Questions — 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.

  • 5,528+ questions answered
  • Former federal & state inmates
  • Answered within 24 hours
  • Always free

Your question is reviewed by former inmates with direct federal and state experience. Free, always.

Recently Asked
More Questions

Commissary
Can I get a price list for the items in the commissary store?
What facility?…

What facility?
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
How Long Before a New Inmate Can Access Commissary?
Commissary access does not open up the moment someone walks through the door, and that applies to phone calls and visitation as well.…

Commissary access does not open up the moment someone walks through the door, and that applies to phone calls and visitation as well. Everything is on hold until orientation is complete. When an inmate arrives at a reception or evaluation center, the facility's first priority is processing, not comfort. That means medical screening, classification interviews, housing assignment, property inventory, and orientation to the rules and expectations of the institution. Until that process is finished, no privileges are extended. It is not...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Is my inmate able to buy commissary while in IL reception?
The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) functions as the major adult male intake and processing unit for the entire state of Illinois.…

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
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Im wondering can you tell me how much a tv cost for a inmate to purchase?
$150 to $200…

$150 to $200
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Is federal prison phone time contribution different than money to the commissary?
For all federal inmates, it is the same and interchangeable.…

For 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.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Do you believe commissary is a good thing and do you believe the prices are reasonable?
I absolutely think it is a good thing AND i think the items are fairly priced.…

I 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.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
What’s the average weekly amount to send an inmate for commissary?
The commissary lists vary from facility to facility.…

The 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 more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
When can an inmate order his commissary and how long does it take for him to get it?
Inmates can get commissary once per week provided they have money on their account.…

Inmates 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).
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
How often do the women inmates get to shop for canteen at Leath Correctional Facility???
Once per week…

Once per week
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Does Hardin County Detention Center Have Commissary?
Yes, Hardin County Detention Center in Savannah does have commissary available to inmates.…

Yes, Hardin County Detention Center in Savannah does have commissary available to inmates. The specific vendor the facility contracts with can change over time as these contracts go out to bid periodically, so the most current information on which company is running it is best confirmed by calling the facility directly. What stays consistent regardless of vendor is how the process works. You put money on your inmate's account through whatever deposit method the facility uses, typically an online platform, a...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
What kind of things can they get in the canteen?
It depends on where they are incarcerated, all commissary lists are different, but similar in the range of available products.…

It 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 and radio....
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Can I bring thermal underwear
Not normally - usually they are bought at the commissary.…

Not 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.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
can you pick out commisary
yes, once per week as long as there is money in their account…

yes, once per week as long as there is money in their account
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Can you get a long sleeved shirt if you are cold?
Inmates can buy longjohns-type shirts or sweatshirts at the commissary.…

Inmates can buy longjohns-type shirts or sweatshirts at the commissary.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
What Is the Weekly Spending Limit at Leath Correctional?
Leath Correctional Institution is a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility housing female inmates in Greenwood, SC.…

Leath Correctional Institution is a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility housing female inmates in Greenwood, SC. Commissary spending limits at SCDC facilities are set by the department and can vary based on an inmate's custody level and disciplinary status. The most accurate and current spending limit for Leath specifically is best confirmed by calling the facility directly, as these limits are subject to change and can differ from what is posted publicly. Generally speaking, South Carolina DOC facilities impose weekly...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →