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.
Despite its financial importance, the prison commissary system is plagued by inefficiency, poor management, and a lack of accountability. While BOP policy allows for a 20% markup to ensure profitability, commissaries are not run like a business. Instead of maximizing revenue and providing inmates with essential goods, BOP staff often limit inventory, reduce shopping days, and fail to manage vendor relationships effectively. These problems, driven by bureaucratic indifference rather than necessity, have led to a steady decline in commissary quality and inmate well-being.
The Decline of the Federal Prison Commissary
In the 1990s, inmates had access to the commissary daily, with even a designated “10 items or less” line for quick purchases. Today, most federal inmates are only permitted to shop once every two weeks—sometimes even less. If a scheduled shopping day coincides with bad weather or a facility lockdown, inmates may not be able to shop for a month or more.
Beyond the reduction in access, the selection of goods has deteriorated. Fresh vegetables and unprocessed foods are no longer available, and nutritional supplements are limited to a basic multivitamin. The result is a declining standard of health for incarcerated individuals. While staff blame supply chain issues, the real problem lies in the inefficiencies of their purchasing system. Unlike a typical retail operation, the BOP uses a no-bid vendor system, leading to frequent stock shortages. Staff will claim that suppliers are out of basic items—such as Doritos—when any local warehouse club store clearly has them in stock. This mismanagement stems from a lack of business training and a culture of apathy among those responsible for procurement.
A Multi-Million Dollar Fund, Mismanaged
The inmate trust fund is not just fed by commissary sales. It also includes revenue from MP3s, video games, and other digital purchases made via inmate tablets. At any given time, the fund holds hundreds of millions of dollars. With this kind of financial power, a well-run commissary system could easily generate ten times its current revenue while simultaneously improving the quality of goods and services for inmates. Instead, each facility operates independently, making inefficient purchasing decisions that fail to leverage the collective buying power of the federal prison system.
Compare this to any small-town convenience store, which is run with a focus on profitability and efficiency. These stores maintain consistent inventory, negotiate supplier contracts effectively, and ensure customers have regular access to desired products. The federal prison commissary, by contrast, is a model of inefficiency, failing both its customers (the inmates) and the broader goal of effective institutional management.
Consequences: Morale, Health, and Recidivism
The failure to run the prison commissary system effectively has direct consequences on inmate morale and health. A lack of food variety and nutritional choices contributes to poor diet-related health outcomes, while the irregularity of shopping days creates unnecessary stress. When inmates feel like even their most basic needs are neglected, it reinforces a sense of institutional failure and increases resentment toward the system. This does not contribute to rehabilitation or successful reintegration into society upon release.
Solutions: Reforming the BOP Commissary System
Addressing these inefficiencies requires systemic reform. Here are several steps that could transform the prison commissary system into a functional, profitable, and fair operation:
- Centralized Purchasing: Instead of each facility making independent purchases, the BOP should negotiate bulk contracts with national suppliers to secure better prices and consistent inventory.
- Private Sector Management: Partnering with private-sector retail experts could optimize inventory, streamline purchasing, and increase efficiency—much like military base commissaries.
- Expanded Product Selection: Offering fresh produce, healthier options, and basic nutritional supplements would improve inmate health and reduce long-term medical costs.
- Increased Shopping Access: Returning to more frequent commissary days would ensure inmates have regular access to necessary goods, reducing tension and logistical problems.
- Performance-Based Incentives for Staff: Creating financial incentives for staff based on commissary efficiency and customer satisfaction could eliminate the indifference that currently plagues the system.
The prison commissary is not just a convenience store—it is a fundamental part of prison life that impacts health, morale, and rehabilitation outcomes. By running it like a business, rather than a bureaucratic afterthought, the federal prison system could improve conditions for inmates while simultaneously increasing revenue. The solutions are clear; what remains to be seen is whether the Bureau of Prisons is willing to implement them.