Ohio Jail Inmates Grow their own Food

by Susan on 05/30/09 at 7:18 am

: Image via Wikipedia

The Sheriff’s Department in Sandusky County, Ohio found a way to kill two birds with one stone.

In a cost-cutting effort, they’ve replaced some of the higher-priced food items served to inmates in their jail with cheaper alternatives. And they planted a garden, after the departmental budget was reduced by $75,000 this spring.

About a dozen low-risk inmates on a work-release program were chosen to help plant and maintain the garden, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, onions, corn, peppers, cabbage, carrots, cantaloupe and watermelon. A local greenhouse and area businesses donated the seeds, fertilizer and garden tools.

The inmates who tend the garden have become so interested in its progress, that they argue about who gets to go out at night to water the sprouting plants.

The project will not only help provide healthier and tastier meals for the jail population, but it also has a therapeutic effect on the men, who are working as a team toward a mutual goal. Plus, it’s good exercise.

At this point, county officials aren’t sure how much money the garden will save, but the sheriff already plans to expand the project next year and might even add a greenhouse. Any extra vegetables from this year’s harvest will be frozen or canned for off-season meals.

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