Spread (prison food) facts for kids
A spread is a special meal that people in prison make for themselves. They often use ingredients they buy from the prison's store, called a commissary. Things like instant ramen and corn puffs are popular choices. Spreads can be simple snacks or creative, fancy meals. People make spreads to add to or sometimes replace the meals provided by the prison, especially if those meals aren't very tasty or filling.
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Why People Make Spreads
Making and eating spreads can be a way for people in prison to spend time together and connect. Even though the word "spread" started in U.S. prisons, similar homemade meals are made in prisons all over the world, including places like the United Kingdom and many countries in Asia.
One study looked at how people in Danish prisons made their own food. It found that being able to choose and be responsible for their meals made them feel better. The study suggested that preparing their own food, based on what they liked or their culture, could help them get ready for life outside prison.
Spreads in the United States
Because spreads and other commissary foods are so important, instant ramen noodles have become very valuable in some U.S. prisons. They are sometimes even used like money! In 2016, the Michigan Department of Corrections reported that ramen was their most sold item, even more than coffee or soap. Another study in 2016 found that Top Ramen noodles were one of the most valuable things in a male state prison. This was partly because the quality and amount of food given by many prisons had gone down. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became harder for people in some prisons to get commissary food. This made them worry about having enough to eat.
How Spreads Are Made
Spreads are usually made with ingredients bought from the prison store or saved from meals. People in prison have to be creative because they don't have regular cooking tools or appliances. For example, they might use a hot plate that doesn't get very hot instead of a stove. They might also use an ID card instead of a knife to cut things. Some even make a "stinger" by using electricity and metal nail clippers to heat up water.
Different Kinds of Spreads
Most spreads start with cooked instant ramen noodles. Then, other ingredients are added to make them taste better or to add more nutrition. Shelf-stable snacks like pork rinds, corn puffs, drink mixes, and canned tuna are often mixed together to create new recipes. Some spreads try to be like common meals people enjoy, such as dumplings, tamales, or soups. Others are more experimental. People in prison are limited in what they can use because commissary food can be expensive. They often rely on money sent by family members from outside prison.
