In an unexpected act of holiday charity, inmates at a federal correctional facility in New Jersey enjoyed a specially prepared Thanksgiving meal, organized and funded by a fellow prisoner.
The effort, which spanned two days, ensured that every housing unit at the low-security Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix received a holiday dinner. The project was spearheaded by a high-profile inmate who collaborated with an internal group to purchase food from the prison commissary and prepare what was described as a homemade-style meal for the population.
In a statement, the inmate behind the initiative emphasized the importance of community during the holidays. “Thanksgiving is about making sure other people eat,” he said. “It’s a difficult time when people are away from their families. We wanted to come together and create our own sense of family here.”
The logistical challenges were significant, as inmates lack access to standard kitchen appliances like stoves or microwaves, and are not permitted knives, requiring improvisation with available materials. The meal was reportedly enough to feed approximately 200 people per building.
The organizer, who was transferred to the facility in late October, reflected on his experience, noting a sense of camaraderie among the incarcerated. “There’s a strong brotherhood. We all look out for each other. It’s about bringing a little bit of light into a dark place,” he remarked.
Typically, holiday meals in such institutions are minimal. The standard menu for the day included turkey roast with trimmings, mashed potatoes, corn, and dessert.
The inmate is currently serving a sentence following a federal trial.
