Few aspects of federal prison life impact inmates as significantly as the commissary. This small store inside each facility is more than just a place to buy snacks—it’s the financial engine that funds all inmate amenities. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) commissary system generates hundreds of thousands of dollars per month per facility, fueling the Inmate Trust Fund. This fund covers everything from recreational programs and hygiene products to clothing and even the salaries of inmates and staff who run laundry and commissary services. Taxpayers do not contribute a single dollar to these inmate amenities.

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In the past, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) recognized the importance of physical fitness, providing inmates with access to exercise equipment, including free weights. The rationale was simple: healthier inmates equate to reduced healthcare costs, which, in turn, lessens the financial burden on taxpayers. However, at some point, the policy shifted based on an unfounded fear—that inmates were using strength training to become more physically threatening to staff.

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