Land Together launches first ever prison farmers market

We are thrilled to share the success of Insight Gardens’ first-ever farmers market at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), a project that perfectly reflects one of our core principles: the belief that all people, including incarcerated individuals, possess inherent dignity and humanity. This principle guides all of our work, as we strive to make prisons healthier environments where individuals can learn, grow, and rehabilitate, preparing to contribute to their communities upon release. One of the most inhumane aspects of incarceration is the lack of autonomy and choice. To counter this, we aim to create opportunities for choice in all of our work inside prisons. Instead of simply facilitating food donations through prison kitchens, we organized a free farmers markets on prison grounds where people can decide for themselves which fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs they want to take with them.

The idea for this market was embraced by CCWF from the start, and over the past few months, IGP staff dedicated ourselves to planning and organizing the event. We're incredibly proud of what the team accomplished. This first market served over 450 incarcerated people, including women in the hospice unit. With generous donations from local growers—including melons from our sister site at Avenal State Prison, flowers, and handmade soaps—we brought in more than 5,000 lbs of produce! To accompany the farmer's market produce, we handed out booklets with nutritional information and preparation tips.

The feedback we received was deeply moving, with notes pouring in from participants expressing how much the event meant to them. The outpouring of gratitude reminds us of the impact these initiatives have in restoring a sense of humanity and autonomy. This farmers market represents a significant step forward in our efforts, and we look forward to expanding this initiative to other yards and facilities, continuing to foster growth, dignity, and choice for those inside.

One incarcerated participant shared, “I haven’t been to a farmer’s market in over 26 years and it feels amazing to see such beautiful people and share in this experience. I cried tears of joy and I am so grateful.”

None of this would have been possible without the many hands that pitched in, including 30 CCWF participants who volunteered. You can watch recap clips from our board and staff on our Instagram!