Snack price hikes lead to anger in Fla. prisons

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Price increases at prison snack shops have angered inmates and caused at least one reported case of violence at a Florida prison.

The state raised prices about three weeks ago under a new contract with an outside company. Since then, the department has gotten at least 60 phone calls and letters from inmates and their families complaining about the hikes.

The Department of Corrections says it's working to see if some prices can be lowered, but costs are going up everywhere. Some of the price changes: Peanut M&Ms and Snickers (66 cents to 89 cents), a can of Coke (57 cents to 89 cents) and a Honey Bun pastry (66 cents to 99 cents).

Florida has the nation's third largest state prison system.