A group of incarcerated veterans at Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCI) is giving back to the Kuna community, one vegetable at a time.

 This is the first year the ISCI Veterans Group has had a garden. Wanting to give back to the community, the group chose to partner with the Kuna Food Bank. Overseen by Case Manager Steve Mitchley, the group has spent the season learning, planting and caring for the garden.

Potatoes were the first crop harvested, followed by onions, bell peppers, squash, and beets. The fresh produce is donated to the Kuna Food Bank, helping provide food to families in need while giving the veterans an opportunity to serve their community.

The garden was made possible through more than $800 in donated materials from American Legion Post 113, New Path Idaho and Lowe’s. Their support helped turn the veterans’ idea into a project that benefits both the group and the community.

“This first season has been a valuable learning experience,” said Mitchley. “The group hopes to expand the number of garden boxes next year.” 

The Idaho Department of Correction is grateful to the Kuna Food Bank and the community partners who helped make this project possible. It may be a small garden, but it’s growing something much bigger—community, service and hope.