Sharing in Prison: Food, Traded Goods, and Survival Tactics

Prison life can be challenging, especially when it comes to basic necessities like food. Inmates often share and trade food and other resources to improve their living conditions and ensure their survival. This article explores the mechanisms behind food sharing in prisons, the cultural practices, and the impact on prisoners' well-being.

Food Sharing Mechanisms in Prisons

Food sharing in prisons is a communal practice that mimics the concept of a potluck. Each inmate contributes a small item, such as tortillas, summer sausages, rice, or ramen. These items are then combined to create a more substantial meal. For instance, a common method involves each person bringing a small dish, and everyone combines them in wraps.

Another way inmates receive food is by cooking with friends, receiving food from food services, or purchasing meals from the commissary. Some inmates arrange for outside help by scheduling payments or receiving cash from friends or family to buy additional food and sell it in prison for a profit.

Trading and Bartering for Survival

Prison food is often far from ideal. Meals provided by the prison are typically small and of poor quality. To supplement these meals, inmates often trade and barter for food. Certain items, like Mars bars, are popular as they can be used to bet on games. Inmates sometimes arrange for outside assistance, like having someone send money to purchase extra food, with a cut taken by the person facilitating the transaction.

Many inmates resort to these practices to ensure they have enough to eat and maintain their health, as prison-provided meals are not sufficient for survival. For instance, one inmate shared that they relied on sugar packets and warm milk to prevent weight loss. They described trading their bread for meat patties and apples, highlighting the common practice of splitting meals and sharing food resources.

Common Foods and Practices

The article mentions several instances of prison food, including a pastry called 'Prison Cake' that is difficult to consume. Descriptions of the food include:

Clear Gravy and Pencil Erasers: Described as a piece of salt cake with a clear gravy and bits of meat that smelled like dog food. Cold Soggy Waffles: Two plain waffles with a single margarine slab and watered-down syrup.

While these descriptions might be shocking, they illustrate the challenges faced by inmates and the significance of food sharing networks in maintaining their well-being.

It is important to note that inmates must often resort to creative and sometimes unconventional methods to survive in these conditions. These survival tactics not only relate to food but extend to all aspects of prison life, including clothing, hygiene, and personal items.

Conclusion

Prison life is a complex and challenging reality for many individuals. Food sharing, trading, and bartering are critical survival tactics for inmates in maintaining their health and well-being. By understanding these practices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of those who experience these conditions.

Further research and studies should focus on the impact of these practices on inmate well-being and the ways in which they can be improved to ensure better living conditions for those incarcerated.