More on How to Send a Package to a New York State Incarcerated Individual

Before you send a package

Sending food and other essentials to a loved one in a New York State correctional facility can be confusing, especially if this is your first time ordering an inmate package.

What can you send? How much food is allowed? Does the package have to come from a vendor? And how do you make sure your order meets NYS DOCCS package requirements?

At NYS Approved Vendor Corp., we specialize in serving families with loved ones in New York State correctional facilities. Here’s what you should know before sending a package.

Can You Send Packages to Inmates in New York State?

Yes, but New York State has specific rules about where packages can come from.

Under current NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) rules, incarcerated individuals may receive packages shipped directly from vendors through carriers such as UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service.

Family and friends can order from a vendor and have the vendor ship the package directly to their loved one at the correctional facility. Current rules also allow family and friends to personally send up to two non-food packages per year.

How Many Food Packages Can a NYS Inmate Receive?

Under current NYS DOCCS guidance, an incarcerated individual is generally allowed:

Up to 3 food packages per month

Combined maximum weight of 40 pounds per month.

• There are exceptions for certain incarcerated individuals and programs, so families should always verify their loved one’s current package eligibility before ordering.
• It’s important to keep track of packages being sent from different vendors. The monthly weight limit applies to the combined food packages received, not just an individual order.

What Food Can You Send to an Inmate in NYS?

NYS DOCCS has specific requirements concerning food, ingredients, preparation and packaging.

• Ready-to-eat meats
• Cooked, cured or smoked seafood without shells
• Cheese
• Bread and other approved bakery products
• Snacks
• Beverages and drink mixes
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh vegetables
• Coffee and tea
• Other commercially packaged foods that meet applicable requirements
• Food cannot contain alcohol or poppy seeds, frozen foods are prohibited, and glass containers aren’t allowed. With limited exceptions such as fresh fruits and vegetables, food generally must be commercially packaged and have a commercially printed ingredient list.
• Because requirements can vary by product, always check the current DOCCS allowable-items list before purchasing something you’re unsure about.

What Information Do You Need to Send an Inmate Package?

Before placing an order, make sure you have the correct information for your loved one.

• Full name
• DIN (Department Identification Number)
• Correctional facility
• Correct facility shipping address
• Double-check this information before completing an order. Accurate recipient information helps prevent delays and delivery problems.

Ordering Food for a NYS Inmate Through NYS Approved Vendor Corp.

NYS Approved Vendor Corp. makes it easier for families to shop for food and everyday essentials for loved ones in New York State correctional facilities.

Our selection includes fully cooked meats, chicken, seafood, cheeses, breakfast foods, beverages, snacks, fruits and vegetables, personal-care products, clothing and other essentials.

Instead of trying to determine whether an ordinary online retailer understands correctional-facility shipping, families can shop with a business focused specifically on serving the needs of NYS correctional-facility families.

How Does NYS Approved Vendor Corp. Ship Perishable Food?

Shipping perishable food requires additional care.

NYS Approved Vendor Corp. ships meats, cheeses, and other temperature-sensitive products in thermally insulated chilled boxes with ice cells.

We also schedule shipments around the correctional-facility delivery process to help reduce the possibility of perishable packages sitting over a weekend.

What Happens When the Package Arrives at the Facility?

Packages entering a NYS correctional facility are subject to facility inspection and applicable DOCCS rules.

Items that do not meet package requirements may not be accepted. Spoiled foods and products received in broken, leaking or contaminated containers can be destroyed by the facility.

Always Check Current NYS DOCCS Package Rules

Package rules can change, and exceptions may apply depending on an individual’s status or program.

Individuals in reception status generally cannot receive packages for the first 30 days. If you’re uncertain about your loved one’s eligibility or a particular product, check the current NYS DOCCS rules or contact the correctional facility before ordering.

Shop NYS Inmate Packages With NYS Approved Vendor Corp.

Supporting someone in a New York State correctional facility already comes with enough responsibilities. Shopping for food and everyday essentials shouldn’t have to make things more difficult.

From fully cooked foods and fresh options to snacks, beverages, clothing and everyday essentials, NYS Approved Vendor Corp. is here to make shopping and sending packages easier.

Families who receive SNAP benefits can also learn how to use EBT/SNAP to shop for food for NYS inmates through the NYS Approved Vendor Corp. Walmart+ Pickup Service.

NYS Approved Vendor Corp.

Serving Families in NYS Correctional Facilities.

Trusted Delivery.