The Turangi Food Bank will soon have fresh potatoes, kumara, tomatoes and strawberries grown by prisoners to put in its food parcels.
Prisoners serving sentences in Tongariro/Rangipo Prison's low security West Unit have spent the past three months digging, preparing and planting gardens with a range of fruit and vegetables they've grown specifically for the food bank.
In addition, timber from the prison's mill site has been transformed into trellis, fencing and railings built by the prisoners who Tongariro/Rangipo Prison Manager Paul Vlaanderen says are "doing a great job".
"It's proving to be a very successful project for everyone involved," says Paul. "For some of the men, simply digging and preparing the garden for planting has been a challenge.
"Many of the prisoners living in West Unit are too old or too unwell to work in Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) industries so working in the gardens is an ideal opportunity for them to do something meaningful for themselves and the community during their time in prison.
"They wanted an activity that would help them gain skills and that's exactly what they’ve got. Not only are they learning what crops will survive the region's freezing winters and hot summers but they're having to get to grips with the local climate and the fact it has a short growing season.
"They’re also learning that gardening can be hard work - especially when it's on top of their essential tasks like cleaning and kitchen duties."
Turangi Food Bank chair Maggie Stewart is delighted that the prisoners are using their time to benefit Turangi locals in need and she looks forward to receiving fresh produce from them.
Anyone in the Turangi region wanting to donate food items can contact Maggie on (07) 386 7656. All donations to the food bank go to people in the local Turangi community.
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ISSN 1178-8453