Michigan Prisons Grow Hope: Garden Programs Deliver Over 100,000 Pounds of Fresh Food to Michigan Communities

The Michigan Department of Corrections achieved a record harvest of over 100,000 pounds of produce from its gardens, supporting local food banks and charities. Horticulture programs not only provide fresh food but also vocational training and community engagement for incarcerated individuals across the state.

Michigan’s Department of Corrections gardens yield over 100,000 pounds of produce, supporting local food banks, charities, and community fundraisers statewide.

Corrections Programs Produce Record Harvest for Michigan Food Banks

Garden Harvest Shown — Gardeners of the Carson City Correctional Facility donated more than 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. – Courtesy MDOC

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) announced a milestone harvest of over 100,000 pounds of fresh produce this year. This impressive yield comes from its horticulture career and technical education (CTE) programs and 17 recreational gardens across the state. The produce has been donated to local food banks, charities, and nonprofits, benefitting thousands of Michigan families.

The MDOC operates horticulture CTE programs at the Muskegon Correctional Facility and the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, where incarcerated individuals learn vocational skills. In addition, 17 facilities run recreational gardens managed by individuals who meet strict behavioral standards. These programs not only provide food to those in need but also offer participants hands-on training and a sense of purpose.

Muskegon and Huron Valley Lead Statewide Contributions

The Muskegon Correctional Facility horticulture program achieved its largest harvest ever, donating nearly 25,000 pounds of vegetables to organizations including the YMCA Veggie Van, St. Mary Catholic Food Pantry, and the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Meanwhile, the Women’s Huron Valley program provided over 15,000 pounds of fresh produce to Food Gatherers, a nonprofit serving Washtenaw County.

“These vocational programs equip participants with valuable skills for reentry into society,” said Kyle Kaminski, MDOC Offender Success Administrator. “At the same time, they foster a strong sense of community as participants work together for the greater good.”

Recreational Gardens Expand Impact Statewide

Harvest — Fresh food was donated from 17 MDOC recreational gardens and 2 horticulture CTE programs. – Courtesy MDOC

Recreational gardens at MDOC facilities contributed substantially to the total donations, providing food to local pantries and nonprofits throughout Michigan:

Lakeland Correctional Facility: 20,032 pounds to the Branch Area Food Pantry
Kinross Correctional Facility: 10,694 pounds to the Sault Ste. Marie Salvation Army, including 560 pounds of pumpkins
Cooper Street Correctional Facility: 8,077 pounds to the Jackson Salvation Army
Gus Harrison Correctional Facility: 5,222 pounds to Fishes and Loaves Soup Kitchen and Daily Bread Food Pantry
Thumb Correctional Facility: 2,000 pounds to Stone Soup Pantry in Lapeer
Carson City Correctional Facility: Over 1,000 pounds to the Beacon of Hope Family Care Center
Newberry Correctional Facility: Over 600 pounds of produce to area nonprofits, including 307 pounds of pumpkins for the Yooper Youth Halloween Carnival

“These donations wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our gardeners and MDOC staff,” said Heidi E. Washington, MDOC Director. “Their efforts are making a real difference in communities across the state.”

Creative Efforts Extend Beyond Food Donations

In addition to fresh produce, MDOC gardens contributed to charitable fundraising through the Pumpkin Project. At the Alger Correctional Facility, participants painted pumpkins to raise $550 for the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight, which supports veterans traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials.

This initiative, alongside the gardens, reflects MDOC’s commitment to rehabilitation and community service. “The Pumpkin Project is a great example of creativity paired with a good cause,” noted a program spokesperson.

Partnering for the Future

MDOC’s gardening programs have delivered fresh food and community support for over a decade. Nonprofits and food pantries interested in partnering for the 2025 growing season are encouraged to contact Jenni Riehle, MDOC Public Information Officer, at 517-241-0363.

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