In 2024, the Restorative Justice (RJ) program at MCF–Rush City held a fundraiser, something common throughout the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). The RJ program operates statewide, offering groups and classes that help incarcerated individuals understand the impact of crime on victims, families, and communities. It promotes healing, empathy, accountability, and often organizes fundraisers that support victim services and programs.
These fundraisers give inmates a rare opportunity to order special food or items not normally available and donate to a good cause. At Rush City, the last RJ fundraiser raised tens of thousands of dollars, one of the most successful on record. But shortly after the money was withdrawn from inmates’ accounts, a memo arrived: refunds were being issued. Why? Because MINNCOR Industries wanted their cut.
Theft from those who have little
Yes, the DOC allowed MINNCOR, a state-run prison labor monopoly, to muscle in on funds meant for crime victims. MINNCOR demanded up to 30% of the proceeds. When RJ coordinators couldn’t meet their demand, the fundraiser was canceled.
That’s right: A charitable effort was shut down because someone didn’t pay tribute to the DOC’s corporate arm. Nothing moves in the Department of Corrections without licking up to the boss, and I’m not talking about Paul Schnell.
This isn’t new. Not long ago, a whistleblower secretly recorded MINNCOR officials bragging about making over $50 million in a single year from inmate labor. That figure doesn’t even include profits from overpriced canteen items, supplies, and equipment sold to incarcerated people at massive markups.
The numbers are staggering. Look up the DOC’s budget: Taxpayers are already footing the bill, yet prisoners are being financially drained on top of it.
Then, on June 11, 2025, a memo from MINNCOR CEO Jeff Lonsky announced that canteen prices would rise by an average of 19% on July 1, blaming “COVID-related inflation.” That would be laughable if it weren’t so harmful.
Worse still, canteen orders placed before July 1 were charged after the price hike, even though the money had already been withdrawn on June 30. This wasn’t inflation. It was theft, a deliberate move to take more from people who have little.
Some numbers:
- A single pair of Pro 5 boxers: $15.77 (up from $9.79)
- Always Ultra pads (with wings): $10.65 (up from $5.77)
- A cheap 15” clear AmpD TV (no speakers): $306 before tax (up from $242.35, worth $50 or less on the street)
- 13” TV: $251.10
- 3oz Colombian coffee: $3.67 (up from $2.99)
- 8oz Folgers instant: $12.43 (up from $8.34)
- 6oz Moon Lodge chips: now $2.36, previously $1.42
- 12oz honey: $4.20
- Instant oatmeal (12-pack): $4.11 (up from $2.63)
All of this without any raise in inmate wages. Not one cent.
One of the most absurd markups is the 9.5×12.5 manuscript envelopes, made by MINNCOR. Once 20¢ each, they now cost 73¢ apiece. These envelopes, used for legal mail, don’t include postage. Just paper. Legal postage costs over a dollar. I used to pay $2.00 for 10; now it’s $7.30. It’s extortion, plain and simple.
Inflation may be real outside prison walls, but MINNCOR’s price hikes have nothing to do with tariffs or global markets. Covid? That’s the excuse. Meanwhile, this monopoly continues to operate with zero oversight and deep political protection.
Why are so many incarcerated Minnesotans becoming diabetic or prediabetic? Because MINNCOR doesn’t offer affordable healthy options. The DOC food service is heavy on starches and processed carbs. To eat better, you must pay up, and pay a lot.
Trying to get an investigation into MINNCOR’s practices is like trying to get Donald Trump to kiss a Mexican baby. But there are people pushing for transparency. One such effort is the End Slavery bill. Look it up. It aims to challenge these exploitative practices.
So I ask: What constitutes a crime? Is it only when someone gets caught?
Accountability shouldn’t depend on status or occupation. It should be universal. And we need our leaders to finally recognize that. A hell of a task; but let’s try.
Alonzo Graham (ID# 212738) is currently incarcerated at MCF-Rush City, where he advocates for prison reform and transparency.