Farm-to-Table harvest is celebrated
VALHALLA – The Farm-to-Table program at the Westchester County
Jail has been expanded this year to include a female-specific program
with organic produce grown inside the secure confines of the women’s
unit.
The fall harvest was celebrated on Friday by county officials, farmers
from the Food Bank for Westchester and staff from Family Services of Westchester’s
EMERGE Program.
County Executive Robert Astorino said the produce grown at the Valhalla
facility will benefit families in need.
“These little things mean the difference sometimes between going
to bed hungry or having to pick what you can do with your kids. It means
a lot,” he said.
Inmate participation in all the programs is voluntary and applicants
are screened for participation by jail administrators and partner agencies.
The women’s program is designed for younger female offenders, some
of whom are under 18, and many of whom arrive at the jail as a result
of drug-related crimes.
