Hadn't replaced or was slower to replace? [These are important distinctions in how the parameters of their prison have changed.]

Another district of this city has become accessible and its stores with it, but there's only so far it can continue to expand.

[But it would be odd to offset their increased resources when it had been limitless before. Either something is straining the current system, or this is the next phase of the experiment.]

What are your thoughts on gardening?