Henry Co. Inmates Provide Food for Themselves and the Community
Henry County inmates said they are happy to get outside and check on their work. “Gives us a break and breaks the monotony inside the jail. Gives us something to do,” said Inmate Robert Long. It is the Henry County Inmate Farm. Deputies said two months ago it was only dirt. They provided inmates seeds and the tools necessary to bring the garden full circle. “Two hundred squash hill, a thousand tomato plants, 200 pepper plants four to 500 cabbages,” said Chief Deputy Randy Gean of the Henry County Sheriff’s Department. Only the inmates who have reached the trustee status can join the crew in this garden. If they are chosen to come out here and work, they are monitored constantly by a deputy. “They make sure the plants are clean the ground is clean, dig a hole, pick it, and also water when it needs watering,” added Chief Deputy Gean. For three years, deputies have been putting inmates to work to save the county a few dollars. Since the program began, officials estimate they have saved Henry County tax payers about $6,000 – $8,000 a year, by using the food inside the jail. “Instead of having to buy tomato for filling and stuff like that they would freeze them. They would put up the squash and freeze them. Peppers, we will add to certain foods that they serve to add to the jail,” added Chief Deputy Gean. Deputies said in two weeks they will hand out their fruits and vegetables for free to those who live in Henry County. Contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Department around the first week of August for an exact date.
