Prison farm helps feed those in need

LEAVENWORTH — A horticulture program at Leavenworth Federal Prison has grown from a modest garden to a 17-acre organic food factory that's feeding struggling folks across eastern Kansas and beyond.

Last summer, the Therapy and Mentoring Horticulture Program yielded more than 100,000 pounds of produce that was either used at the prison or donated to food banks.

Prison staff members think this year's output could be twice, and perhaps three times, as high.

Joe Mason, prison food services coordinator, said the program features cutting-edge sustainability practices while not costing taxpayers a dime.

About 50 minimum-security inmates participate in the program, which gives them valuable skills they can use when they're released from prison.

Watermelon, tomatoes, squash, corn, strawberries and garlic thrive at the farm. More than half of the yield goes to nonprofit groups throughout the region, including a planned shipment to Joplin, Mo., where a May tornado wiped out one-third of the town.

Mason said rainwater collection tubs, a half-acre compost plot and indoor worm bins are some of the farm's features. All of the seeds, equipment and labor is salvaged or donated by community members, he said.

Initially, food donations went only to local groups. The farm's growth has made it possible to branch out and send donations farther away.

"We're open to any group that wants to be involved," said Brian Habjan, a citizen member of the prison's community relations board and vice president of Commerce Bank in Leavenworth.

Roughly a dozen inmates are enrolled in a 4,000-hour horticulture certificate program, while 40 others participate in the project.

Mason said inmates learn skills that will help them after they've served their time. He said there are several success stories involving inmates who have left the program and started their own successful careers based on what they learned in prison.

Conservatively, prison officials estimate this year's yield will be 200,000 pounds, while Mason thinks it could go as high as 300,000.

"When we first started, we just had a little garden," Mason said.

This story was originally published August 29, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Prison farm helps feed those in need."