More than 2000 kilograms of pumpkins, 1000kg of cabbage, about 1000kg of grapefruit and more than 300kg of lemons grown at Karnet, Bunbury, Pardelup and Wooroloo prison farms are now helping feed West Australian families doing it tough.
A Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson said most of the produce grown at the prison farms were typically used within the state’s correctional facilities but this year’s harvest exceeded expectations which allowed them to donate to Foodbank WA.
DOJ primary production coordinator Kevin Binning said it was rewarding to be able to support the wider community.
“The sizeable donation is a major boost for Foodbank WA, which last month assisted more than 800 customers every day.”
Mr Binning said the average annual pumpkin harvest at Karnet was 30,000kg and expected 45,000kg this year.
“At Karnet the team is only halfway through the pumpkin harvest, and there’s still 15 to 20 thousand kilos of pumpkins to be picked,” Mr Binning said.
He said the longer warm autumn weather helped give six weeks of extra growing time.
Foodbank WA chief executive Kate O’Hara said she was grateful for the donation.
“This donation allows us to distribute fresh fruit and vegetables across all of our regional branches, as well as here in Perth,” she said.
The DOJ spokesperson said the prison farms played a vital role in reducing food costs for correctional facilities and taxpayers as well as supporting prisoner rehabilitation.
“These farms provide prisoners with meaningful work, vocational training and practical life skills which prepare them for life after release,” Mr Binning said.
“It’s a model which benefits the entire community, from the inside out.”
