Caldwell County Jailer Willie Harper spoke to the Princeton Rotary Club about the facility’s plans to create its first community garden this summer as a way to offset costs at the jail and to give back to the community.
Harper stated that Highland Baptist Church generously donated five acres of land for the jail to establish a garden to grow fruits and vegetables, with a portion for the jail and the rest to benefit the community.
click to download audioFurthermore, a produce stand will be set up opposite the church.
click to download audioHarper mentioned that they are seeking donations from local businesses to support the community garden.
There will also be water available at the site.
click to download audioHarper believes that the garden will have a positive impact on both the community and the inmates.
click to download audioFor businesses that donate, Harper said he plans to visit the Athletic Center and have a banner made to display at the garden as a way to show the jail’s appreciation for their support in this project.
Harper stated that letters requesting donations were sent out on Monday, and by the time he spoke at the Rotary Club meeting, he had already received two donations.
click to download audioOn Wednesday, jail officials shared on social media that they are now stocked with garden seeds thanks to donations from Bright Life Farms and Newsom’s Ham Old Mill Store.
According to Harper, all meals are prepared daily at the jail.
click to download audioThe Caldwell County Jail is a 40-bed facility, with 31 inmates housed at the facility as of Tuesday.
For more information about the community garden, visit the Caldwell County Jail’s Facebook page or call the facility at (270) 365-6790.
