Popular Commissary Items for Inmates: What's on the Shopping List?
September 21, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Corrections
What do inmates buy most at the commissary? Discover the most commonly purchased items by inmates at the commissary, providing insight into their preferences and needs.
What do inmates buy most at the commissary?
The most popular commissary items for inmates can vary depending on the prison, region, and individual preferences. However, there are some common items that tend to be popular among inmates when shopping at the commissary:
Snack Foods: Inmates often purchase snacks like chips, candy bars, cookies, and instant noodles to supplement their meals and satisfy cravings.
Personal Hygiene Products: Basic personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and toilet paper are essential purchases for inmates.
Beverages: Inmates may buy a variety of beverages, including soda, juice, coffee, and tea, to have some beverage options beyond water.
Cigarettes and Tobacco: In facilities that allow it, inmates who smoke may buy cigarettes or other tobacco products from the commissary.
Stationery and Writing Supplies: Writing materials like pens, paper, envelopes, and postage stamps are common purchases, as inmates use them for correspondence and journaling.
Clothing and Footwear: Inmates often buy basic clothing items like socks, underwear, and t-shirts from the commissary, especially if they are not provided by the prison.
Electronics and Entertainment: In some facilities, inmates can purchase small electronics like radios or headphones, as well as books, magazines, or playing cards for entertainment.
Instant Meals: Some commissaries offer instant meal options, such as cup noodles or canned soups, which inmates can prepare in their cells.
Condiments and Spices: Inmates may buy condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, as well as spices and seasonings to add flavor to their meals.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Basic over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antacids, and cold remedies are often available for purchase.
It's important to note that the availability of specific items can vary from one prison to another, and some facilities may have restrictions on what inmates can purchase. Additionally, the commissary often operates as a privilege, and inmates may need funds in their accounts to make purchases.
Inmates' commissary shopping lists can also reflect their individual needs and preferences, so the items listed above are not exhaustive. The ability to shop at the commissary can provide inmates with a degree of personal choice and comfort within the confines of a correctional facility.
Inmates typically purchase a variety of items at the prison commissary, including:
- Food and drinks: Ramen noodles, instant coffee, candy, chips, cookies, and other snacks and drinks are popular items among inmates.
- Hygiene products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and other hygiene products are essential for inmates.
- Over-the-counter medications: Inmates can purchase over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cold medicine, at the commissary.
- Writing supplies: Paper, pens, pencils, and envelopes are popular items among inmates who want to stay in touch with family and friends.
- Stamps: Inmates can purchase stamps at the commissary to mail letters and packages.
- Other items: Inmates may also be able to purchase other items at the commissary, such as books, magazines, games, and clothing.
The specific items that are available at the prison commissary vary from state to state and from facility to facility. However, the items listed above are generally popular among inmates.
Here are some reasons why inmates might purchase certain items at the commissary:
- To supplement their diet: Prison food can be bland and repetitive, so inmates may purchase snacks and drinks at the commissary to supplement their diet.
- To stay in touch with loved ones: Inmates can use writing supplies and stamps to stay in touch with family and friends.
- To pass the time: Inmates may purchase books, magazines, games, and other items to pass the time in prison.
- To improve their hygiene: Inmates may purchase hygiene products to improve their personal hygiene.
- To relieve pain or discomfort: Inmates may purchase over-the-counter medications to relieve pain or discomfort caused by minor illnesses or injuries.
It is important to note that inmates typically have limited spending money, so they must carefully consider what items they purchase at the commissary.
