Produce Harvested By Inmates is Donated to NC Food Bank | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC  -  Governor Pat McCrory announced today that approximately 6,700 pounds of fresh turnip greens harvested at the state prison farm at Caledonia Correctional Institution are being delivered to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

    The donation is part of the state of North Carolina's effort to bolster the inventory of the state's food banks in the wake of the partial federal shutdown. On October 14, Governor McCrory released $750,000 from state funds to seven regional food banks.

    "North Carolina's food banks always need donations, but the shutdown led to additional strain," said Governor McCrory. "The work that these prisoners are doing is yet another way our administration is working toward helping those in need through food donations."

    Today's donation is the first of four planned deliveries of turnip greens harvested by inmates to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina this fall. The Department of Public Safety has committed to deliver 26,800 pounds of turnip greens, but the amount could increase depending on the demand of food bank patrons and the size of the harvest.

    "This is a prime example of how the state and department look for ways to give back to the community, while teaching our inmates the skills required to succeed after their release," said Secretary of the Department of Public Safety Frank Perry. "DPS has many programs that are mutually beneficial to the state, department and public. This collaboration and service to others is what makes our state great."

    "This donation not only helps the food banks," said Governor McCrory. "Hopefully it will contribute to the successful rehabilitation of the inmates who worked on this delivery by demonstrating the impact they can have by giving back to the community once they are released."

    Caledonia Correctional Institution is located in Halifax County near Tillery on approximately 7,500 acres; it functions as a state prison farm and medium custody facility. Much of the food eaten in the state's correctional facilities is grown, harvested and packaged by inmates working at Caledonia farm, saving the state millions in food costs. Currently about 2,500 acres of farmland at Caledonia are under cultivation by the state. Inmates assigned to the prison farms learn the skills and expertise necessary to find a job upon release.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
      govpress@nc.gov