Doing thyme: Ohio inmates growing food to save money

[May 29, 2009]  FREMONT, Ohio (AP) -- A county sheriff in northern Ohio who banned pancakes from the jail menu to cut costs has found another way to save: He's having the inmates grow their own food.

Sandusky County Sheriff Kyle Overmyer got the idea for a vegetable garden at the jail in Fremont after he was forced to reduce his budget by $75,000 this spring.

Low-risk inmates who are allowed to mow lawns and do other chores around the county planted about an acre and a half of fruits and vegetables on jail grounds three weeks ago.

One inmate says everyone will enjoy the fresh food because budget cuts have made meals less appetizing.

[Associated Press]

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