We’ll cover what you can send, how to send it, approved vendors, and tips to make sure your package arrives safely.
What Are Inmate Care Packages?
Inmate care packages are pre-approved packages of food, hygiene products, and other items that families can send to incarcerated loved ones. Unlike regular mail, these packages must come from approved vendors and follow strict facility guidelines.
Care packages serve several important purposes:
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Providing nutritional supplements to institutional meals
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Maintaining emotional connection with loved ones
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Ensuring access to quality hygiene products
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Supporting education and entertainment through approved reading materials
Why You Must Use Approved Vendors
Prisons and jails have strict security protocols that prohibit sending packages directly from home. Instead, you must use state-approved vendors who:
Pre-Screen Items
Ensure all products meet facility security requirements and won’t be rejected upon delivery.
Use Approved Packaging
Ship items in clear, secure packaging that allows for easy inspection by correctional staff.
Handle Documentation
Include all required paperwork and ensure packages are properly addressed according to facility rules.
Important Warning
Never attempt to send a care package directly from your home! It will be rejected and may result in penalties for your loved one. Always use approved vendors to ensure your package is delivered.
What Can You Send in Care Packages?
Allowed items vary by facility, but most permit these categories of products:
Food & Snacks
Pre-packaged snacks, coffee, tea, drink mixes, tuna, ramen noodles, crackers, and candy (without alcohol content).
Hygiene Products
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and lotion (often in clear containers).
Clothing
White t-shirts, socks, underwear, and sometimes approved footwear (colors and styles are often restricted).
Reading Materials
Books, magazines, and newspapers sent directly from publishers or approved vendors.
Stationery
Writing paper, envelopes, pens, and stamps (often must be pre-approved).
Entertainment
Approved games, puzzles, radios (often without FM capability), and watches.
Commonly Restricted Items
While policies vary by facility, these items are typically prohibited:
Food Restrictions
Homemade food, glass containers, alcohol-based products, perishable items, and anything requiring refrigeration.
Clothing Restrictions
Clothing in certain colors (often blue, orange, or camouflage), hooded items, and anything resembling official prison attire.
Electronic Devices
Phones, smartphones, smartwatches, devices with internet capability, or anything with recording功能.
Other Prohibited Items
Weapons, tools, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexually explicit material, and anything that could be used as a weapon.
How to Order Care Packages
Ordering care packages for inmates is typically a straightforward process:
Step 1: Check Facility Rules
Visit the facility’s website or call to determine which vendors they approve and what items are allowed.
Step 2: Visit Vendor Website
Go to the approved vendor’s website and navigate to their care package section.
Step 3: Enter Inmate Information
Provide the inmate’s full name, ID number, and facility location exactly as it appears on official records.
Step 4: Select Package
Choose from pre-made packages or build your own custom package if the vendor allows it.
Step 5: Checkout
Complete your purchase using a credit or debit card. Most vendors don’t accept cash or checks.
Step 6: Shipping
The vendor will ship directly to the facility, typically within 3-10 business days.
Approved Care Package Vendors
These are some of the most common approved vendors for inmate care packages:
Access Corrections
One of the largest providers serving many state and county facilities. Offers a wide variety of food, hygiene, and clothing packages.
Union Supply
Specializes in clothing packages but also offers food and hygiene products. Serves many state prison systems.
JPay
Known for money transfers and email services, but also offers care packages in many facilities.
SecurePak
Specializes in pre-made care packages for inmates with a focus on food and hygiene products.
Pro Tip: Always verify which vendors are approved by your loved one’s specific facility before placing an order. Using a vendor not approved by the facility will result in your package being rejected.
Understanding Costs & Fees
Care packages typically range from $30 to $150 depending on contents. Here’s what to expect:
Package Prices
Basic packages start around $30-50, while deluxe packages with more items can cost $100-150.
Shipping Fees
Most vendors charge shipping fees ranging from $5 to $15 depending on package size and destination.
Payment Methods
Vendors typically accept credit/debit cards. Some may accept money orders but rarely accept cash or personal checks.
Budget Considerations
Items in care packages are often significantly more expensive than retail prices. A $1 bag of chips might cost $3-5 in a care package. Budget accordingly and consider splitting larger orders across multiple months.
Helpful Tips for Families
Based on experience from other families, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
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Verify Facility Rules First: Always check the specific facility’s rules before ordering. Policies vary significantly between institutions.
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Consider Timing: Order well before holidays as processing and delivery times increase during busy periods.
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Ask About Preferences: Check with your loved one about what they actually need or want before ordering.
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Split Large Orders: Instead of one large package, consider sending several smaller packages throughout the year.
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Keep Records: Save order confirmations and receipts until the package is confirmed delivered.
Sending care packages to incarcerated loved ones is one of the most tangible ways to show your support and maintain connection. While the process can seem complicated at first, using approved vendors makes it straightforward and ensures your package will be delivered.
Remember that these packages provide more than just material goods—they communicate love, support, and the maintenance of family bonds during a difficult time. By following facility guidelines and using approved vendors, you can ensure your support reaches your loved one safely and reliably.
Have Questions or Experiences to Share?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your questions or experiences with inmate care packages in the comments below.
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