Grafton seniors delivered fresh veggies by Worcester County sheriff

For the past 10 years, the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction has been home to the largest working organic farm located at a correctional facility in the Commonwealth. 

Tended by inmates who qualify and volunteer for the program and by maintenance staff at the jail, the 15-acre farm grows bell peppers, cabbage, celery, corn, green beans, zucchini, squashes, eggplant, tomatoes and in the fall a bumper crop of pumpkins.  

“The mission of our farm is to feed both our inmate population and to help feed the hungry in our community,” Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said.

During the harvest season, the jail donates and delivers on average 300-500 lbs. per day of fresh organic vegetables to food pantries, meals programs, veterans groups and community centers throughout Worcester County to help those who struggle with food insecurity.  On August 5, the sheriff and members from the Sheriff’s Department farming staff dropped off freshly picked prison produce at the Grafton Senior Center, which has nutritional outreach programs that help feed the community and the elderly. 

“Especially during this challenging time, seniors need our support,” Grafton Senior Center Director Barbara Connelly said. “We receive many calls here for different kinds of assistance and that can include access to proper nutrition. This generous donation of organic vegetables from the Sheriff’s Department farm is greatly appreciated.It’s wonderful nutrition and nature’s medicine for our seniors.”  

“We are proud to be home to the region’s largest working organic farm at a correctional facility. This farm gives back in many ways; helping our inmates with the dignity of work while acquiring the skills and patience of farming all while knowing they are helping so many folks in need in our community.”  Evangelidis said.  “Last year, our farm fed both our inmate population and over thirty thousand pounds of fresh produce was donated to help feed the hungry.  So far this growing season mother nature has been very kind and we are on track for an even more bountiful harvest.”  

“Thank you to the sheriff so much for stopping by with all the vegetables. We went out delivering the corn this afternoon to seniors in housing,” Connelly said. “They were so appreciative.”