Programs
Lettuce Grow
Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to News Beet for our latest program updates and volunteer opportunities.
Did You Know
U.S. inmates are six times more likely to suffer malnourishment or contract a foodborne illness than the general population. Meanwhile, 91% of U.S. inmates re-entering society report food insecurity at home.
DONATE TODAY
What We Do
By bringing hands-on garden-based classes and workshops to incarcerated adult and Juvenile students, we create positive experiences which can aid existing health outcomes and support successful reentry into society.
How We Do It
In partnership with the Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, The Lettuce Grow program designs hands-on garden-based classes and workshops for Oregon Incarcerated students. The produce generated in our learning gardens supplements nutrition for incarcerated people on the inside and participants earn professional credentials and skills that aid their successful re-entry to society on the outside.
OSU Extension Service Seed to Supper Class
Our introductory class is a basic 6-week vegetable gardening class developed by the Oregon Food Bank and Oregon State University.
Oregon State University Sustainable Gardening Class
Upon completing this 16-week freshman college class, the student receives a Certificate of Home Horticulture from OSU Extension Service, a recognized job credential in the state of Oregon.
Greenhouse Management Class
Developed in Partnership with Chemeketa Community College, this 11-week class provides students with an overview of greenhouse design, structures/mechanicals, and operations. An important skill set as more production moves into greenhouses.
Plant Disease Diagnostic Training
Through this 6-week course, students receive hands-on plant diagnostic training, an important skill set in the horticulture field. Based on OSU material, this course was developed by 2 program participants/tutors at Eastern Oregon state correctional facility.
Culinary Arts Class
Developed with input from local restaurants and newly revised (post-COVID) This class provides students with the skill set to find employment in the culinary field.
Additional Benefits:
The Lettuce Grow program teaches participants new organizational and problem-solving skills, focusing deeply on teamwork and cooperation. This helps inmates build positive relationships among staff, incarcerated students, and people outside the correctional system.
As part of the Lettuce Grow program, participants also earn recognized job credentials and opportunities for horticulture internships and degrees upon release. This goes a long way toward increasing hope and self-esteem for inmates who may otherwise end up back in the prison system.
Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to News Beet for our latest program updates and volunteer opportunities.
Our Impact
The Oregon Department of Corrections recognizes Lettuce Grow as one of the most successful and cost-effective programs offered in the state. A key indicator of our program's success is our recidivism rate (the number of participants in the Oregon state prison system who return to prison after release).
75%
30%
4%
75% of inmates in the U.S. return to prison.
30% of inmates in Oregon return to prison.
4% of Lettuce Grow participants return to prison.
Over 1300 participants have graduated from the OSU Sustainable
Gardening Class.
169 Adults in Custody have completed the Greenhouse Management class.
460 Adults in custody have completed the Seeds to Supper class.
Over over 365,536 lbs of produce were harvested from our prison gardens in 2022
10,340 lbs. of produce went to
foodbanks and community organizations across
the state.
THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
Here's How You Can Help
Donate today to help us keep our Lettuce Grow program alive and thriving. Then subscribe to the News Beet newsletter to learn more about our work, receive regular program updates, and be the first to know about opportunities to volunteer.
DONATE
Subscribe
Additional Programs
Follow the links below to learn more about the three powerful programs we offer at Growing Gardens.
Home
Gardens
Providing bilingual resources and guided support for individuals & families as they grow their own garden at home.
Youth
Grow
Inspiring youth to practice sustainability, make healthy choices, and deepen their understanding of the natural environment.
Lettuce
Grow
working directly with incarcerated individuals in prisons to cultivate new skills and build a healthier community.