York County Jail is doing some great work with its inmates.

In a recent article, officials told the Journal Tribune about the jail’s gardening program, which has been supplying fresh vegetables to food pantries in Saco, Limerick and York. And next spring, the jail hopes to produce even more food for those in need by getting a head start on the growing season with a new greenhouse.

Currently, the jail garden is growing summer squash, green beans, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and red nasturtiums.

The 28-foot by 40-foot greenhouse will allow seeds to be planted earlier in the season, so those plants can then be transferred into the raised beds already on site once the weather is warm enough. This will hopefully mean more vegetables with availability earlier on in the growing season.

These kinds of projects are a win-win for the jail, inmates and the community. Inmates are learning valuable skills that may help them get a job after their release, or even just start their own garden to grow food for their family. If a deeper interest is sparked through the program, they may even pursue becoming a master gardener like the one who help train them.

The community gains as well, from the actual vegetables that are donated to food pantries to the environmental benefits of more plantings. The produce itself is making a real difference for the people it helps feed, according to pantry officials.

Bob Nichols of Saco Food Pantry has said in previous interviews that the need for food assistance continues to grow, and the recent deliveries from the jail were welcome and needed.

“As long as the season lasts, we’ll take it,” he said.

The program is also reaching inmates who may not be eligible for other work programs due to security issues.

York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette said because of the razor wire on the jail walls and on enclosures surrounding the garden, many more inmates are able to partake in the gardening work project because they do not need to leave the jail premises.

In addition, training and educating inmates supports the greater good, because those who leave jail with tangible skills will be more likely to gain employment and contribute to society. Jail Superintendent Michael B. Vitiello said he also hopes it may reduce recidivism.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.