:angry: I just came from visiting my honey at Mid-Orange Correctional, what a horror they removed the vending machines at this facility. I haven't been there for two weeks, however my understanding is that this has been this way and this will be the 3rd week. Well I asked one of the CO's what was going on and he told me that the vending machines had broken down. There were 5 machines in total all of them I asked, impossible even the microwaves were removed yeah they broke down too. Anyway when I asked my honey he told me that the facility had terminated the contract and there would be no more vending machines, the only machines available were the sodas. The reason the money was being taken from the machines, by whom no one knows therefore the vendors were losing out. The visiting room was jammed with many children today, many times when we get together with our loved ones we bring the children we are not allowed to bring anything from the outside so what do we feed these children soda and water! It's incredible how the prison system is making it more impossible and difficult for families to enjoy these special days I believe this is being done on purpose call me crazy but I think so. There is no way that this can continue, we sit there for 6 1/2 hours and nothing to eat just drink sodas impossible. Another thing you can't complain to the Superintendent because there isn't any, only acting and everyone seems to pass the buck. I'm just upset and I needed to vent:angry: I can just imagine what other things is happening here and we aren't aware of I just think something should be done about this.

Wow, that's horrible. Maybe they feel that people won't stay as long if there is no food. I hope something is done soon. There has to be someone you can complain to. I hope you get some answers.

make sure you present the whole family angle.:angry: I just came from visiting my honey at Mid-Orange Correctional, what a horror they removed the vending machines at this facility. I haven't been there for two weeks, however my understanding is that this has been this way and this will be the 3rd week. Well I asked one of the CO's what was going on and he told me that the vending machines had broken down. There were 5 machines in total all of them I asked, impossible even the microwaves were removed yeah they broke down too. Anyway when I asked my honey he told me that the facility had terminated the contract and there would be no more vending machines, the only machines available were the sodas. The reason the money was being taken from the machines, by whom no one knows therefore the vendors were losing out. The visiting room was jammed with many children today, many times when we get together with our loved ones we bring the children we are not allowed to bring anything from the outside so what do we feed these children soda and water! It's incredible how the prison system is making it more impossible and difficult for families to enjoy these special days I believe this is being done on purpose call me crazy but I think so. There is no way that this can continue, we sit there for 6 1/2 hours and nothing to eat just drink sodas impossible. Another thing you can't complain to the Superintendent because there isn't any, only acting and everyone seems to pass the buck. I'm just upset and I needed to vent:angry: I can just imagine what other things is happening here and we aren't aware of I just think something should be done about this.

Most definetely I think that is the key the family in general, this is what is all about to be with our loved ones that quality time to share but again they make it difficult for families to enjoy this time together.

Yeah, and the poor kids... Make sure you tell them that children have to be there for hours at a time and there is no food... Of course they would do whatever they can to make life more difficult for us just because we're loving an inmate!

I have a question before I write to Albany are vending machines a mandatory requirement at any of the visiting rooms in any correctional facility. Or is this just a treat to pass the day, I have to know before I address this issue in full.

I am equally sure that if they do not have vending machines they must have a source for you to get a glass of water. I would guess there would be a health reg on that especially with children involved. It wouldn't hurt to let a newspaper or two know about the removal of the vending machines too.

shorter visits and how that fits in with the proven fact that inmates close to their families are less likely to return to prison (definitiely say that to the newspapers--in fact cc: your letter to Albany to whatever local papers there are near Riverview and to the NY Times and Post.

Good Luck, I hope you really do write or call someone on this, this is barbaric! we are not being punished, nor should the children!

What I find strange is that the same company that suppies the soda machines are the same ones that provide the food machines. There was water and soda but who can just rely on this all day. My honey wrote me and told me yes to voice my opinion and to let them know that someone has been stealing the money but he would prefer his name not be mentioned. I can understand his concerns and I will write. Thanks ladies for your opinions.

Yes writing to Albany is a good idea as well as sending copies to the newspapers.
You could also try the help me news casters on the different channels. Like Help Me Howard on WB 11. www.wb11.com (http://www.wb11.com)

Also you could try NY 1 news too. www.ny1.com (http://www.ny1.com)

And even if the superintendant is only acting , a letter to him/her would not hurt. They need to be aware of the crap going on at the facilty they are responsible for.

FYI... there are new vending machines at Mid-Orange as of this weekend.

well, that is good to know!

oh finally these people came to their senses, there is this one guard up in mid orange who is a real ball buster , i hate seeing his face when i go to mid orange on saturdays

so you know