An inmate at a federal correctional institution in New Jersey helped organize a special Thanksgiving meal for the entire population of his housing complex last week.
The effort, which spanned two days, involved purchasing food from the prison commissary and preparing a holiday dinner for distribution to every unit. The meal was intended to provide a sense of community and comfort during a time when separation from family is acutely felt.
“Thanksgiving is about making sure other people eat,” the inmate was quoted as saying in a statement. “People can get very down during the holidays. We wanted to come together and do our own thing.”
The project required significant logistical effort within the constraints of the prison environment. Inmates reportedly lack access to standard kitchen tools, often improvising with available items. Assistance in coordinating the meal came from another individual within the facility, who noted that enough food was prepared to serve approximately 200 people per building.
The inmate, who was transferred to the low-security facility in late October, reflected on his experience, describing a sense of mutual support among those incarcerated. “There’s a strong brotherhood here. We all look out for each other. It’s like having a little piece of home in a difficult place,” he said.
While the facility provided a standard holiday menu, this inmate-led initiative aimed to supplement that offering and foster a shared experience. The individual is currently serving a sentence following a federal conviction.
