Inmates harvest record yield from prison farm for food bank

Inmates at the minimum-security South Idaho Correctional Institution south of Boise had a record harvest this year from their 10-acre prison farm, and the whole yield will go to the Idaho Foodbank to feed hungry Idahoans. Yesterday, a selected group of 20 inmates, shown here, harvested and bagged potatoes from the farm; beans and corn grown at the prison farm already are being distributed by the food bank. Volunteers and donors, including a retired potato farmer, helped make the project work, and farmers and ag and trucking companies donated supplies and equipment. The prison farm project for the hungry is in its fourth year, and expanded this year from six acres to 10.

Jenifer Johnson, food bank vice president, said, “The Idaho Foodbank is interested in every opportunity to provide fresh, locally grown produce to our partners in the statewide charitable hunger-relief network. The collaboration with Idaho farmers, seed companies, truckers and the staff and inmates at the South Idaho Correctional Institution is rewarding on many levels, but it is especially appreciated by the hungry families who are already enjoying these healthy vegetables.”