Articles & News

July 18, 2008

Collin County Convicts Cut Costs Cultivating Crops

McKINNEY (CBS 11 News) ― The rising cost of food is hurting almost everyone, even prison inmates. Jails across the nation are slashing food costs. But the Collin County Jail is saving big money by using inmates to grow fruits and vegetables.

"I've never done any kind of farming or gardening," said convicted drug offender Richard Scalf. Now, he has a garden of paradise outside the walls of the jail. "We get to sample air, trees and birds."

Scalf has been living behind bars for manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance. However, under the sheriff's convicted offender re-entry effort, he is now working in the fields as a part of his sentence.

"It's interesting to see where it comes from instead of just buying it at the grocery store," Scalf said.

That is where Collin County is saving money. The jail grows their own fruits and vegetables on 40 acres of land.

"It's a tool we use to control behavior," said Lt. Terry McCraw. "When you are feeding them fresh fruits or corn on the cob or cantalope or watermelon, it helps behavior. If you eat good food, you are happier."

The program was started in the early 1990s. Back then, it was just onions and tomatoes. Now, over a dozen fruits and vegetables are watched over all year long. And the county uses its own equipment and irrigation system for the farming.

Collin County receives about $167,000 each year through a state grant to fund the program.

According to the Collin County Sheriff's Office, a total of $21,660 has been saved so far this year on corn, onions, squash, radishes and potatoes.

For inmates like Scalf, the garden is something he plans to maintain even after his time in prison is over. "It makes the days go by faster," he said. "It's nice. It's something to take pride in and enjoy."