ACJ Hosts Commissary Cookoff
Published on June 08, 2026
Incarcerated individuals are often known for their creativity.
That includes preparing and devouring various concoctions made from commissary items.
Several weeks ago, one individual who recently moved from a juvenile housing unit to an adult pod, approached ACJ Educational Services Manager Garrett Besonson with an idea: to hold a cookoff with commissary items in the jail’s education area.
“I learned (how to cook) down here,” said J.E., the individual who came up with the idea. “It was different from the juvenile pod. I didn’t know how to cook all this until I turned 18, and somebody showed me how to cook everything. I ended up learning and I got better.”
Besonson said it took some time to gain approval and iron out the logistics, but the education department successfully held its first Commissary Cookoff on Thursday, May 28 in various classrooms inside the education area.
Some individuals teamed up while others worked independently as they prepared pizza, chi-chis and rice bowls. Foundation of HOPE provided the commissary items and staff members joined education department and jail administration staff members to facilitate and judge the final presentations.
“It looked like restaurant-quality presentation – it was fantastic,” Besonson said. “I had no idea what to expect. I came to it with an open mind, and they impressed me.”
T.L. earned the highest marks from the judges for his commissary pizza and was named the winner for “utilizing a wide variety of ingredients; presenting an appetizing and well-put-together pizza; the comical and engaging delivery of his presentation; the complexity through which he combined his ingredients; and the care that he put into the presentation and creativity of his dish.”
Besonson plans to assemble the recipes into a booklet available for viewing in the education center.
He deemed the first event a success and hopes to hold additional cookoffs in the future.
“I was nervous, but it turned out really well, and the guys made some really great stuff,” Besonson said. “They did a great job.”
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).