(GREENCASTLE) – Warden Dushan Zatecky announced the Putnamville Correctional Facility Horticulture Department, led by Terri Russ, has donated over 6,456 pounds of food so far this year.
Donations are benefiting churches, food pantries, senior centers, and local food banks in and around Putnam County. Due to the pandemic Terri could only have two of her assigned offenders assist with the Horticulture program. Yes, that’s correct!
Three people planted, watered, weeded, picked, and sorted total of 6,456 pounds of food for donation. This is nearly 3.25 tons of food.
Donations included yellow squash, assorted tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, variations of peppers, greens, lettuce, and zucchini. For many offenders, this was the first time they had received training and coaching on how to grow food and reap the benefits of their efforts, which in turn has benefited the community. The added benefit is learning a new life skill that will continue to serve many of the men when they return to their local communities.
When asked about the donations from the horticulture program, Warden Zatecky stated, “The season is not over yet! It is exciting to see the impact we can make on the community, as well as the positive impact with the men in the program.” Warden Zatecky concluded, “Imagine how much more can be grown and donated when more of the men are able to participate in the horticulture program.”
