Thanksgiving is all about the meal—whether it’s your grandma’s perfectly golden turkey or your friend’s questionable attempt at gluten-free stuffing. But what if you’re spending the holiday behind bars? For those in prison, Thanksgiving doesn’t come with family arguments over the last slice of pie or football games blaring in the background. It’s a different world with its own version of tradition.

Meals in prison on Thanksgiving vary wildly, from small moments of comfort food to dishes that feel closer to a sad, microwave dinner. Former inmates share their stories of what Turkey Day really looks like behind bars, and trust me, it’s not always as bleak as you might think. And yes, stick around to the end for a look at how Sean “Diddy” Combs will be dining this year—you won’t want to miss it.

Turkey Loaf Sandwiches

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In many prisons, turkey loaf is the closest thing to traditional Thanksgiving meat. Served between two gravy-soaked rolls, it’s more of a handheld mess than a hearty meal. Add a scoop of lumpy mashed potatoes and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and you’ve got the prison version of a feast.

Baloney Sandwich Dinners

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Not every facility pulls out the stops for dinner. Some serve a standard baloney sandwich with a side of instant mashed potatoes, leaving inmates wishing for even a canned green bean. It’s efficient, sure, but definitely not festive.

Mashed Potatoes and Powdered Gravy

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Mashed potatoes are a staple, but they’re far from scratch-made. Often rehydrated from powder, the taste is bland and the texture hit-or-miss. The gravy, while lumpy, adds some much-needed flavor to the plate.

Pumpkin Pie, Hold the Whipped Cream

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Dessert usually makes an appearance, even if it’s just a thin slice of pumpkin pie. Former inmates say the lack of whipped cream is noticeable, but any dessert is a welcome treat on a day like this.

The Morning Surprise: Hot Breakfast

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Some prisons swap out the usual cold cereal for a rare hot breakfast. Eggs, oatmeal, or even a warm pastry can make Thanksgiving morning feel just a little more special, even if it’s served at 6 a.m.

Two Trays of Food in Texas

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In Texas prisons, Thanksgiving means double trays—one for the meal and one for dessert. Inmates grab their food and return to their cells, where brisket, dressing, and mashed potatoes provide a rare, hearty meal.

Hawaii’s Thanksgiving Twist

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Hawaiian inmates might get a turkey sandwich for dinner, but the real highlight is the Snickers bar donated by the Salvation Army. It’s not much, but it’s a small moment of sweetness in an otherwise typical day.

The Fed’s Christmas Cornish Hens

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Some federal facilities reserve their best meals for Christmas, but Thanksgiving is still an upgrade. Think turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce with a bit more care in the presentation.

The Communal Spread

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Despite strict rules, Thanksgiving often inspires inmates to pool commissary items for a shared “spread.” Guards usually turn a blind eye as inmates create makeshift dishes using ramen, chips, and canned goods.

Harris County’s “Complete Trash” Meals

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Inmates who’ve spent time in Harris County recall the meals as some of the worst—barely warm, barely edible, and far from festive. It’s a stark contrast to facilities that try to do more.

The Shrinking Feast

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Years ago, some prisons offered more generous portions on Thanksgiving, with real turkey and sides. Over time, those meals have shrunk, leaving many inmates hungry for days afterward.

P Diddy’s Thanksgiving Behind Bars

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Sean “Diddy” Combs, spending Thanksgiving at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, will see a different kind of feast. Breakfast includes cereal and pastries, while lunch offers turkey roast or hot & sour tofu with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For dessert, there’s assorted holiday pie. Dinner? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with chips—a sharp reminder of how far he’s fallen from his usual lavish celebrations

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