Did you know? Lots and lots of fresh produce is arriving daily at Stepping Stones Food Pantry due to hard work by inmates at the Dunn County Jail Garden and community volunteers.
Located directly behind the Dunn County Courthouse/Jail on on Hwy 12 east of Menomonie, the Jail Garden has four food plots each measuring about 30 X 50 feet growing a variety of fresh produce such as tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, and squash.
One hundred percent of the produce is donated to Stepping Stones who then distributes the fresh produce to local food insecure neighbors.
Since 2010 over 40,000 pounds, one semi-load, has been hand-harvested and delivered. In 2024 alone 160 volunteer hours by community members and 125 hours by inmate helpers provided 2700 pounds of fresh produce, where the normal diet is heavy in processed carbs and canned foods.
The Jail Garden has expanded to include a chicken coop with 6 resident birds and apple trees that provide delicious apples, all to benefit Stepping Stones.
How does all of this happen? Volunteer coordinator Kathie Metzger and Jail Garden Program director Heather Pyka, work together to connect community volunteers and Huber inmates who maintain the Jail Garden. The helpers (inmates) benefit by learning a skill, being productive in providing food for others in the community and at times enjoy sampling the fresh produce they help grow. The program also offers the helpers the benefits of spending time outdoors, taking pride in their work and working side by side with community volunteers.
How you can help? Volunteering at the Dunn County Jail Garden involves general gardening tasks – planting, weeding and harvesting as well as directing and educating our helpers on these tasks. Help others to learn skills to serve them later in their own gardens and their lives. More help is always appreciated.
The Dunn County Jail Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For more information, contact Heather Pyka, Dunn County Jail Program Director, [email protected]v or Kathie Metzger, Dunn County Jail Garden Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected]
