Cook County Jail's garden is growing

September 9, 2011 (CHICAGO)

The garden, which is in its 18th year, now has more than 100 non-violent detainees working there.

There is also a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse.

Inmates learn gardening and landscaping job skills while being incarcerated so they will have a better chance of landing a job once they are released.

On Friday, 32 detainees were honored for completing classroom work and hands on training in the garden.

About 3,000 pounds of produce were harvested this year.

Several restaurants buy the produce, while some is donated to shelters and food banks.

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