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"have you ever wondered what it's like to shop inside a prison? it's a world where prices can be shockingly high, and the economy operates on its own terms. today, we're diving into the hidden economy of prison commissaries and exploring the cost of items for inmates compared to local stores. let's uncover the truth behind prison pricing and see how it affects the lives of those behind bars.
the inside scoop on prison commissaries
imagine being locked up and having to pay exorbitant prices for basic necessities. that's the reality for many inmates in prisons across the usa. in january 2018, a group of activists protested outside the florida department of corrections, demanding answers about the high cost of items in prison. one inmate even shared a message online, stating that a case of soup that costs $4 on the outside costs $17 on the inside. this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to prison pricing.
the cost of ramen noodles and other prison staples
ramen noodles are a staple in many prisons, but the cost can be a sore point for inmates. in florida, for example, the price of ramen noodles can be significantly higher than in local stores. this is just one example of how prison commissaries can charge more for the same items you'd find outside.
the prison policy initiative report
to get a better understanding of prison pricing, we looked at a report published by the prison policy initiative. this report delved into the world of prison commissaries and found that simple things like sending emails and making phone calls can be very expensive. the report also highlighted the difficulty in obtaining data on prison sales, but managed to gather information from state prisons in illinois, massachusetts, and washington.
state-operated vs. private commissary contractors
it's important to note that there are both state-operated commissary systems and private commissary contractors. this can affect the prices inmates pay for items. in a breakdown of what prisoners buy, it's no surprise that most of the cash goes towards food. many inmates are not satisfied with the quality of prison meals and opt to buy their own food from the commissary.
the impact of prison pricing on inmates
the high cost of items in prison can have a significant impact on inmates. it can lead to financial strain and limit their ability to purchase basic necessities. this is especially true for those who don't have family or friends on the outside to send them money.
comparing prison prices to local stores
to get a better understanding of prison pricing, we compared the cost of items in prison to those in local stores. while the prices can vary from prison to prison and state to state, we found that some items can be up to three times more expensive inside prison walls.
the cost of communication
in addition to the cost of food and other essentials, communication can also be expensive for inmates. phone calls and emails can be charged at a premium, making it difficult for inmates to stay in touch with loved ones on the outside.
the future of prison pricing
the issue of prison pricing is a complex one, and there are ongoing debates about how to address it. some argue that the high cost of items in prison is a form of punishment, while others believe it's a necessary part of the prison economy. regardless of your stance, it's clear that prison pricing has a significant impact on the lives of inmates.
conclusion
in conclusion, the hidden economy of prison commissaries is a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of prison life. by understanding the cost of items for inmates compared to local stores, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by those behind bars. whether you're a concerned citizen or a policy maker, it's important to consider the impact of prison pricing on inmates and work towards creating a fairer system for all.
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sources
https://pastebin.com/cqtwqamh
further reading
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