Inmates work for their supper

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Crime may be growing in urban areas, but here in Warren County local jail inmates are proving that, if you put your back into it, you can make something else grow — a garden. One that will eventually provide fresh vegetables for the kitchen at the Warren County Jail.

Inmates who have been jailed for minor crimes are busily working on a neat and well-tended garden plot on county land across from the jail. County Executive Kenneth Rogers was working with inmates yesterday on the endeavor which he feels can add some rewarding work for potentially idle hands, and save the county some money as well.

“We’re going to try to cut back a little bit by raising some of our own food out here at the jail,” Rogers said. “We’re planting potatoes today and we’re planning on planting tomatoes and corn and okra, and they’ve even asked for some hot peppers, so we’re going to plant some of that for them.”

The land, located across the bypass from the jail on the old Magness farm, is now county land which was unused, leading Rogers to start another jail garden. The jail has had gardens previously, but the most recent was around four years ago and Rogers felt it was a worthwhile project to start up again this year with the budget crunch statewide.

So far, the garden takes up about an acre and is mainly planted in potatoes, a staple vegetable Rogers says is very versatile.

“Potatoes are something you can have for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Rogers said, “and are easily stored during the winter months.”

Inmates were also enthusiastic about the prospect of homegrown vegetables.

“It’s a good idea,” said inmate Charles King, “and will cut back a lot on the budget.”

Rogers said the garden is more than just a budget-cutting project for the county.

“It’s good for the inmates too. They seem to enjoy working in it and it gives them something to do and have some pride in.”

PHOTO INFO:
County Executive Kenneth Rogers is working with local inmates on a garden to provide homegrown vegetables for the jail kitchen. Rogers said the garden will help cut down on the food budget for the jail and give inmates a sense of pride in doing something worthwhile during their incarceration. Pictured, front row from left, are Richard Ross, David Jennings, Jeffery Smith and Clay Northcutt. Back row, Daniel Lyle, Kenneth Rogers and Charlie King. (Charles W. Johnson photo)