i knew it could break you or help you. >> esteban merchan is awaiting trial on murder charges and has been in the jail in tampa, florida, for a year. but his stay hasn't been without some benefits. >> i started reading anywhere between two to four books a week. now i'm reading anywhere between three to five books a week. i write letters. i draw. >> i do push-ups, a thousand every day. exercise to keep my mind and my body occupied. >> line up on this side, please. >> with the same routine one day of the week can feel like any other. but mondays brings something to look forward to. it's delivery day for jail canteen. >> i get canteen. to be honest, the food here is not that bad. it's just the quantity. the quantity is too little. i'm a growing man. on the streets, i'm used to eating in bundles. >> canteen around here is like gold to them. it is probably one of the most important things aside from getting a visit or a letter. they are allowed to order something different from the normal food we provide to them. >> today merchan is using a variety of canteen items to make a unique version