ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

prison commissary

Have you ever been to a market or a store with your parents where you get to buy things you want? Well, just like that, a prison commissary is like a store for prisoners where they can buy things they need or want.

When someone goes to prison, they are not allowed to bring anything they used to have with them. That means they can't bring soap, toothbrush, or even snacks they used to like. This can be really hard for people in prison, especially if they have to stay there for a long time. So, the commissary is a place where they can buy these things instead of having to ask their family or friends to send them.

The commissary sells lots of different things, like food, snacks, hygiene products, clothes, and even electronics. The prisoners can use the money they earn from working in prison or the money their families send them to buy things from the commissary.

But, not everyone can buy everything they want. Just like parents set limits for how much candy you can buy, prison officials set limits on how much prisoners can spend and what they can buy. This is to make sure everyone is safe and following the rules.

In summary, a prison commissary is like a store for prisoners where they can buy things they need or want using their own money. It helps them have a little bit of control over their own lives in prison.
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