About Ordering Food for Prison Inmates

Although most prisons routinely allow inmates to receive food orders from the outside, some put restrictions on such deliveries. For example, in New York, inmates are limited to two food packages per month, and the combined weight cannot exceed 35 pounds. Some states permit food deliveries only during a specific window of time; for example, South Carolina allows prisoners to receive food packages during its fall and spring package programs. During its spring package program, food orders can only be received between March 24th and May 30th, and if delivered by mail, the postmark date cannot be after April 24th. Also in South Carolina, the value of delivered food cannot exceed $150. In Michigan, inmates can only receive one food order per calendar quarter, and the weight cannot exceed 30 pounds, while the value can't exceed $85.

Correctional facilities typically require that outside food be ordered and delivered through an approved vendor. This means an inmate's mother can't cook her son's favorite tuna casserole, and then bring it to the prison during her next visit or send it via mail. Instead, she must use an approved third-party vendor. For example, in Ohio, inmates and their families and friends must order food from Union Supply Direct or Access Securepak. This restriction also means that inmates are limited to the type of food products supplied by these vendors. In Michigan, food orders can only be placed with Access Securepak. Some vendors provide online ordering.

Family and friends of inmates can also deposit money into the inmate's prison account, where he can use the funds to purchase food and other household items, like soap and toothpaste, from the prison store, or commissary. This account is commonly known as an inmate's commissary account and carries certain restrictions. For example, in Texas, friends and family can deposit up to $300 at a time. They can also purchase up to $50 in goods from the commissary for an inmate once every quarter. In Michigan, inmates can spend up to $100 at the commissary every two weeks. Deposit methods vary with each prison; however, many permit deposits by mail, in person at the prison, or online.

An inmate's status may disqualify him from receiving food orders. For example, South Carolina prohibits certain inmates from receiving food orders, including juveniles incarcerated for less than 60 days and inmates on disciplinary detention. In Ohio, disqualified inmates include those serving less than 90 days in prison, as well as those assigned to a medical facility or those who are under disciplinary control.