GREENCASTLE, IN - Warden Dushan Zatecky was pleased to announce the Putnamville Correctional Facility Horticulture Department, led by Ms. Terri Russ, has donated over 6,456 pounds of food so far this year. Donations are benefiting churches, food pantries, senior centers, and local food banks in and around Putnam County.

Due to the pandemic Terri could only have two of her assigned offenders assist with the Horticulture program. That means a total of just three people planted, watered, weeded, picked, and sorted a total of 6,456 pounds of food for donation.

For many offenders, this was the first time they had received training and coaching on how to grow food and reap the benefits of their efforts, which in turn has benefited the community. The added benefit is learning a new life skill that will continue to serve many of the men when they return to their local communities.