Commissary is routinely out of stock for up to half the items on the list. We have gone months with commissary out of such basic items as soap and deodorant. According to the handbook, we are supposed to be issued free soap, deodorant, toilet paper, toothpaste, a razor and a toothbrush weekly. If we want better-quality versions, we can buy them at commissary. But staff has not been issuing us anything but toilet paper — for that, it’s only one roll per week; it used to be two until recently. We only go to commissary every two weeks, AND it’s been out of toilet paper! When we bring this to staff’s attention, they say, “I don’t work for commissary; it’s not my problem.” Commissary is also routinely out of typing paper, typing ribbons, envelopes, stamps and pens. They have not had envelopes in stock since the beginning of this year.
Another issue with commissary involves clothing. Recently, it was posted on the laundry department door that they will no longer issue socks, T-shirts or underwear. These items must be purchased from the commissary. (Same for shoes.) But either the commissary is out of those items or it only has sizes like 5x. Many AICs arrive with insufficient clothing, so we have to help by donating.