The Cost of Corrections: How Inmates Pay for Additional Prison Food

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Three hots and a cot”? This quip captures a basic reality for prisoners in many correctional facilities - three hot meals a day and a bed to sleep in, along with a few amenities offered. However, the rule is simple: if freedom and privilege are denied, many other things can be too. This raises the question, do prisoners have to pay for their meals?

Basic Prison Diet vs. Additional Food Purchases

Most prisons offer a basic diet, with food typically provided at no charge. In Texas, for example, inmates receive three meals daily, each meal containing around 2000 calories. These meals often include sandwiches, desserts, and other basic necessities. During a unit lockdown, even then, an inmate will be given a sack lunch consisting of at least two sandwiches and a dessert.

However, beyond the basic necessities, inmates can supplement their diet with additional food purchases from the prison commissary. This can include snacks, toiletries, clothing, games, and other items. Inmates can also purchase food directly from approved outside vendors, providing a level of choice and comfort that enhances their experience within the correctional facility.

Food Quality and Perceptions

While the basic food provided by the prison may meet the minimum caloric and nutritional requirements, the quality of the food can be far from ideal. In fact, many inmates have noted that prison food would make even a top chef like Gordon Ramsay cringe. The meals are often prepared by inmates working in the kitchen, who may not have the same level of training or quality standards as a professional chef. Some kitchen staff may even steal food items to sell to other inmates or use in their personal meals, further diminishing the quality of the communal food.

Commissary Purchases and Extra Costs

For inmates who want to improve the quality or variety of their meals, the prison commissary offers a solution. However, this comes at a cost. The commissary sells a wide range of goods, from snacks to hygiene products and clothing. Inmates with family support can have money deposited onto their commissary accounts, allowing them to purchase extra snacks, fruits, and other items. This is not always the case, however, and many inmates must rely on family support or personal resources to acquire additional food.

Some inmates have entrepreneurial spirits and manage to trade or borrow commissary items from others to supplement their diet. These inmates often find ways to make the most of their food budget, using a combination of their own funds and support from family to maintain a more balanced and satisfying diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while prison systems aim to provide basic necessities to inmates, the fate of additional luxuries or higher-quality food often lies within the inmate's ability to pay. The use of the commissary and outside vendors provides a level of choice and comfort, but it also means that inmates who lack financial support may face challenges in improving their daily diet. Understanding the role of the commissary and the costs involved can shed light on the realities of inmates' daily living conditions and the additional expenses they face while serving their sentences.