CORRECTIONS INMATES GARDEN BENEFITS VETERANS

A corrections officer from Trumbull Correctional Institute contacted Veterans’ Outreach a few weeks ago.  He wanted to find out if we would accept fresh produce grown at the institute.  He leads a group of inmates that wanted to grow a garden this year.  Their 20’ x 20’ garden has produced a huge quantity and variety of produce.  

The Freedom Food Pantry distributes about 100 boxes of food each week to veterans living with food insecurity, so the donation was eagerly accepted.  The veteran recipients have been so grateful for the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, Swiss chard, and more.  Our friend Chris from the Corrections Institute has delivered 2 loads so far, each one over 400 lbs.  

We learned that some of the inmates tending to the garden are veterans.  In correspondence with Chris, he said “The donations from the garden makes these guys feel like they are giving back. I let them know that they are. I always try and give them words of encouragement and remind them that what they are doing is helping people that need it.”

We thank them all, and hope they know that their hard work is benefitting many veterans and their families.