KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — We are told that no weed was safe in the Kalamazoo County’s jail garden this year, as the inmate crew tending the veggies had a zero tolerance policy on any plant that did not belong.
Sheriff Rick Fuller says any weed that got taller than an inch or two was yanked by diligent inmates.
The Jail Garden had more room for veggies this year because they decided not to replant pumpkins.
Any vegetables that they did not need in the jail kitchen were donated to Loaves and Fishes for distribution to low income residents.
Sheriff Rick Fuller says its a great program that serves several different functions. They get fresh vegetables for inmate meals and the inmates who tend the garden pick up valuable skills.
He says at least 50 inmates have worked in the garden since its inception 8-years ago.
He said during a presentation on the garden Wednesday that he is thinking of expanding again into unused space on the County Fairgrounds property.