Keefe Commissary has again increased its rates. This time by 3.2%, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Download the new IDOC commissary pricelist
Those interested in comparing the commissary prices in Idaho prisons with prisons in 45 other states can do so by visiting the newly unveiled national commissary database created by The Appeal.
The database was made public following the nonprofit news organization’s nine month investigation into prison commissary prices.
While Idaho’s prison system received notable mention for the price residents must pay to enjoy the luxury of denture adhesive, Georgia prisons were reported to be marking up denture cups by 600%.
The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), like other carceral agencies, receives a share of Keefe’s profits by guaranteeing the company exclusive access to the Idaho prison marketplace.
The money collected from these types of arrangements is often funneled through inmate welfare funds.
Idaho’s Inmate Welfare Fund is described in documents that I obtained through a public records request as a fund used to promote the welfare of residents through programs and activities. But when I attempted to follow up in accordance with Idaho’s sunshine laws, the IDOC was unable to produce policies and balance sheets detailing the fund’s use.
A 2024 Prison Policy Initiative report describes how inmate welfare funds are commonly used by U.S. jails and prisons. “In reality, poorly written policies and lax oversight make welfare funds an irresistible target for corruption in jails and prisons: in many cases, corrections officials have discretion to use welfare funds as shadow budgets for subsidizing essential facility operations, staff salaries, vehicles, weapons and more, instead of paying for such things out of their department’s more transparent and accountable budget.”
Ever wonder why people complain about the cost of commissary when prison food is free?
Exhibit A
Most Disturbing Meal That I Have Ever Been Served In Prison
Exhibit B