Terre Haute, Ind. - Federal inmates in Terre Haute are growing their own food and learning about horticulture through a new program that is a first for the Bureau of Prisons.
Officials with the Federal Correctional Complex estimate they've saved taxpayers about $130,000 in produce costs this year through a program that combines on-site food production with education. The Tribune-Star reports those savings could rise following the dedication of a new fish-growing and aquaponics facility.
Prison camp administrator Giovanni Ramirez says the program aims to teach new skills to camp inmates to help them when they are released.
Inmates have grown cucumbers, zucchinis, lettuces, peppers, onions, watermelon, potatoes and other produce on a 17-acre site.
The new fish-growing and aquaponics facility will enable inmates to grow fish for meals.
Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com
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