Muskegon inmates grow, donate produce to local organizations [Video]

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Inmates at the Muskegon Correctional Facility are helping to grow thousands of pounds of produce—and it’s all going right into the community. The facility donates that food to six different local organizations including the YMCA Veggie Van.

Belisa Melton, the YMCA community collaborations director, explained how the Veggie Van works, saying, “Instead of them going to the stores, we go to them.”

The van has been around since 2011. It operates like your average farmers markets.

“You can see anything from squash, strawberries, blueberries, greens. Whatever’s in season, you name it, we have it,” said Melton.

Many areas in the Muskegon area are considered food deserts. Those are neighborhoods and communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The Veggie Van is helping to bridge those …