Eastern Correctional Institution harvested food for the community

Tomatoes, pepper, and eggplants are just some of the vegetables Edward Gaines and others have been planting. For 10 years now the ECI has donated food for families in need. The 46-year-old has been incarcerated for the past 4 years, and in 2022, he saw something that piqued his interest. “We paying our debt to society, we trying to make it right, just give us a chance… I just like the way it was, I was looking out the window, and I would see how everything was bare ground, and next thing you know, it’s covered with greens, so I was interested in that… It’s relaxing, it’s relaxing. your whole day goes by.”

37-year-old Walter Amaya is from El Salvador and has been incarcerated for 10 years, but for the past 7, he has found solace in the soil. He wants people to see him now and how he is a positive part of the community. “I feel good when I help somebody, you know. That’s what I think it’s important for. I like it when I help somebody.”

Helping they are indeed, and According to the Warden, William Bailey, Somerset County is one of the poorest counties in Maryland, and these crops go a long way when families are starving. “We’re out here, we’re building a strong work ethic, then men are feeling good about the work they’re doing, and the vegetables that were harvested this morning will be in the community by lunchtime.”

He says 95% of the prison population will go back into the civilian world, and they are helping prisoners find purpose one pepper at a time. “This gives us an opportunity for our population to have a sense of restorative justice… It gives our staff and everyone that’s within these prison walls the opportunity to give back to the community in which we live.”

Edward says, he just wants everyone to know he’s just trying to do a good thing… I just want to you know, I want to make amends. I want to do better, I want to do right, so if I can receive some blessings by blessing somebody else, that’s how it go.”

There were over 500 pounds of produce harvested today, and they say that’s just from one of their 3 gardens. Last year, they say they donated more than 40 tons of produce in just one year and say this year’s harvest is going to be a big one.