MUSKEGON, Mich. — Through a partnership with the Muskegon Correctional Facility, nearly 4,000 pounds of fresh produce has been donated to the Muskegon YMCA Veggie Van over the past year.
The Horticultural Program at the Muskegon Correctional Facility (MCF) is one of only two horticultural classes in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Inmates learn how to grow, fertilize and harvest produce at a garden at the correctional facility.
Brad Dean, the horticultural trades instructor at MCF, said the classes give participants a sense of purpose.
“The inmates in the program gain skills in growing and caring for flowers and vegetables, while being able to beautify their living environment,” he said, adding that the program helps them give back to their community.
Each week, a portion of the produce harvested in the Horticultural Program is donated to local organizations, including the Veggie Van.
The Veggie Van serves seniors and families in low-income areas or food deserts in Muskegon County. The van travels to apartment complexes, businesses, community centers, senior centers and more to deliver fresh, low-cost produce.
Amy Woodring, Veggie Van Lead at the Muskegon Y, said the YMCA is grateful for the help from the Horticultural Program.
“The produce is always of excellent quality and our seniors appreciate the smaller quantities they can purchase to make single-serving meals," Woodring said. "The generosity of the Horticulture Program allows us to keep our costs low, making it easier for Muskegon County residents to make healthy eating choices. Dean and those in his program are truly a blessing to this community, and it goes to show that even if you are incarcerated you are still able to do good in this world.”
MCF and Veggie Van have partnered since 2019. In the past two years, over 12,000 pounds of food have been donated.
To learn more about the Veggie Van and its schedule, click here.
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