The Department of Justice has announced that 1,000 kilograms of pumpkins grown at the Karnet Prison Farm have been donated to Foodbank WA to help feed families in need.
Primary Production Coordinator at the Department, Kevin Binning said the project was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment.
“Prisoners at Karnet recently completed the 2021 pumpkin harvest, most of which is consumed within the WA prison system,” Mr Binning said.
“The donated pumpkins were the smallest of the crop, in the two-to-three-kilogram range, making them less suitable for processing at the Casuarina Prison vegetable preparation facility, but an ideal family size.”
He said the Samson variety pumpkins were very good quality and versatile in the kitchen “so we hope they bring a lot of culinary joy to the families who receive them”.
“The pumpkins have been distributed to Foodbank WA’s branches and the Centre for Hunger Relief at Perth Airport where they will be offered to people struggling to put food on the table,” Mr Binning said.
He said Foodbank WA provided food and groceries to more than 400 registered charities that donated emergency food assistance to people in need.
“The Department is thrilled to be in a position to help such a worthy cause,” Mr Binning said.
“Karnet’s pumpkin crop is one of many primary products that WA’s prison farms contribute to self-sustainability for Corrective Services facilities and savings for taxpayers.”
He said by working on the farms, prisoners were also provided with opportunities to develop work and life skills through a range of vocational and skills training.
