In “The Gulag Archipelago”, I noticed that getting a job in the kitchen meant you did anything to get it, because the people cooking the food always at no matter how little there was, because they could ensure they had scraps, leftovers, something.
Saying “I’m a great cook, I cook for everyone, can make it edible out of anything” is actually a good survival tactic if you get the job in the kitchen - she guarantees she eats and might smuggle food to friends even with tight rationing.
The same philosophy applies to today's county jail and state prison systems. Becoming a "trustee" and getting a job in the kitchen or elsewhere gets you out of the general population and in a position where you get certain "privileges".
Just don't get too friendly with the Deps (deputies working the county jail) or you'll be considered a "snitch" and snitches get their asses beaten really bad...........