BOYD COUNTY FEDERAL INMATES FEED THOUSANDS WHILE BECOMING MASTER GARDENERS
Extension Education
Lori Bowling
CATLETTSBURG
Abstract
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\r\n Over the past 11 years there have been approximately 200 inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Ashland, Kentucky to receive Kentucky Master Gardener certification. This program was originally started to raise produce in a 6 acre garden to be taken into the facility to help offset the rising cost of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, it has evolved into one of only two vocational educational programs that will allow the inmates to receive certification for use in securing employment upon release from the facility. It has also become one of the largest donators to the local food pantry system in the area. Because some of the federal guidelines for the food service department have changed, they are no longer able to use the produce from the garden. This prompted the education department to try to find a way to keep the garden so that the inmates would still be able to qualify for their certification (because volunteer time requirement was met by working in the garden). Now all the produce from this garden is given to a local agency and redistributed to 16 social service agencies to feed the hungry. Not only do the inmates get an education in horticulture practices, but they also get the opportunity to learn a new skill to aid them in getting a job upon release and they are able to experience what it feels like to truly help someone else in need.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: L.B. Bowling
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Bowling, L. Extension Agent, University of Kentucky Extension Service, Boyd County, Kentucky, 41129