A growing prison population has increased Justice Department spending on the federal prison system from just over $5 billion in fiscal year 2008 to nearly $7 billion today.

The current budget of $6.9 billion allots $2.5 billion for inmate programs, including $65.7 million for “psychology services,” $115.5 million for drug treatment, and $435 million for food services.

“According to BOP officials, BOP’s biggest challenges are managing the continually increasing federal inmate population while providing for inmates’ care and safety, as well as the safety of BOP staff and surrounding communities, within budgeted levels,” the GAO said. “BOP officials project continuing inmate population growth and estimate increases in funding needs for the foreseeable future.”