Extension agent honored for work with prison garden program

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — David Naab was honored by the Reno County Extension Council for his work with the Garden for Good program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

The council recognized Naab at its annual meeting Nov. 20 for helping inmates develop skills, confidence and hope for their future through the program, according to a Facebook post by Reno County K-State Extension.

"This community has benefited so much from this program over the years, with many thousands of pounds of food, and many thousands of dollars donated each year to local nonprofits," the post stated.

The Garden for Good program operates on about 1.5 acres where approximately 30 inmates grow vegetables. All participating inmates complete Kansas State University's Master Gardeners training program.

Volunteer Extension Master Gardeners teach classes inside the prison walls. The curriculum covers basic botany, integrated pest management, composting, soil sampling and plant propagation.

In 2012, the program donated more than 6,700 pounds of produce and $2,500 to community groups including a Christian soup kitchen and the Reno County food bank. Over a three-year period, inmates donated 22,000 pounds of vegetables, with about 90% of each harvest going to the community.

The program is self-funded. Inmates sell remaining produce to other inmates and staff at below-market prices, with proceeds purchasing seeds, soil and pots for the next growing season. Surplus funds are donated to local groups.

To participate, inmates must be housed in the medium-security East Unit and belong to one of three charitable or self-help organizations within the prison.