While prison food does not have the best reputation, there is apparently one snack that American prisoners miss after their release: the potato chips.
According to a recent report on NBC News, ex-cons in the U.S. still crave The Whole Shabang potato chips more than any other food found on the inside. The chips are only supplied to American prisons and not available in stores and apparently taste like a cross between salt and vinegar and barbeque flavors.
One alleged ex-con writing on a Facebook fan page for the chips wrote:
“Awesome chips I did 60 days and wouldn't have survived if it wasnt for whole shabangs, japs, jalapeno popcorn. Thank you for saving me and introducing my taste buds to real divine flavor fit for royalty.”
The supplier, Keefe Group, recently made the chips available for online order – for $20 per pack of six. Prior to that the only place to find the rare food was on eBay.
Apart from potato chips, prison meals in the United States usually consist of a small piece of meat, canned fruit and vegetables, cold cuts, and processed bread. A recent investigation by the Marshall Project into allegations that prisoners are not being fed enough due to private contractors outsourcing food services shows the true stark reality of what eating really looks like for the millions of Americans currently in prison.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.