New Mexico inmates will see a reduction in commissary costs following the New Mexico Corrections Department's (NMCD) decision to manage prison store operations internally. This change affects over 5,800 inmates and their families.
On August 4, 2025, NMCD’s Corrections Industries Division took over commissary operations from Union Supply Group, which had been in charge since 2021. The division operates independently from the department's general budget.
"Our Corrections Industries team has worked incredibly hard to achieve this important and exciting milestone," said NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. "Their dedication means inmates and their families now have access to more competitively priced items."
Under the new system, Corrections Industries buys items in bulk directly from Union Supply at wholesale rates, passing on the savings to inmates. Union Supply Direct continues as the Quarterly Package provider, with families able to order starting September 1, 2025.
Inmates can purchase commissary items using their Smart Communications tablets. Approved visitors can send money orders to prison facilities.
Information from this article can be found here.
