Worcester County Jail Celebrates 10 Years and 250,000 lbs. of Donated Produce from Inmate Run Organic Farm
WEST BOYLSTON — For more than a decade, inmates have been growing fresh produce on the organic farm at the Worcester County Jail. Harvests have not only benefitted dozens of Worcester County food banks, senior centers, soup kitchens, veteran’s groups and charitable organizations, but also inmates at the jail.
The 14-plus acre operation produces roughly 500 pounds of fresh produce every day during growing season. By the end of that season, harvests total approximately 40,000 pounds.
From zucchinis to apples, a wide array of crops is grown at the West Boylston facility.
“We created this program to provide an ultra-low-cost solution to offer fresh food to our communities,” said Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “Community members have access to fresh, beautiful, organic produce grown at the Worcester County Jail. I’m so proud to have a program that requires little funding and helps so many people.”
More than 12,000 pounds of fresh produce have already been dispersed to local organizations this year. Every day, inmates pick and wash the produce before it is distributed throughout the county.
“The sheriff has been committed for many years to providing fresh produce to those we serve,” said Aj Alkire, president of the Webster Dudley Food Share. “We appreciate the sheriff and his track record of supporting our organization. There is a tremendous need in our communities for these veggies.”
“The relationship between Catholic Charities of Worcester County and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is strong,” said Angelique Bodziak, program director for Catholic Charities of Worcester County. “Sheriff Evangelidis’ organic farm has made an impactful difference on our operations. The donations have allowed us to work with other community partners to deliver fresh produce to those who need it most.”
Since taking office in 2011, Evangelidis has remained committed to not only creating but expanding the organic farm. After a multi-acre expansion under Evangelids’ leadership, the Worcester County Jail boasts the largest organic farm on a correctional facility in Massachusetts.
Project New Hope executive director Bill Moore said, “We are grateful to Sheriff Evangelidis for thinking of us and donating fresh organic vegetables from the jail’s farm to our veterans’ food pantry. The farm gives back in many ways, helping their inmates with the dignity of work while acquiring the skills of farming, all while knowing they are helping so many folks in need in our community.”
“The Uxbridge Senior Center sincerely appreciates the contribution of fresh vegetables provided by the sheriff’s department,” said Uxbridge Senior Center executive director Lisa Bernard. “Some of the vegetables are used by our chef in our hot lunch program at the center, which is open to local residents Monday through Friday. We also distribute the organic vegetables from the sheriff’s farm to folks in our community. This program helps make a difference to so many during this difficult time. Thanks again Sheriff Evangelidis for always thinking of us.”
“The organic farm works to benefit many organizations throughout Worcester County,” Evangelidis said. “In addition to our charitable work, thousands of pounds of produce are used here in the kitchens of the West Boylston facility to feed the inmate population. The organic farm initiative equates to tens of thousands of dollars in food cost savings. With soaring food costs, it is more important now than ever to provide fresh produce to those who can least afford it.”
