SHIP Healthy Communities

Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee Garden Club Growing Food For All

The Minnesota Correctional Facility located in Shakopee (MCF-Shakopee) was a new innovative partner that SHIP began working with in January 2023. The food service director and librarian at MCF-Shakopee brought the idea of creating a garden space at the correctional facility to the Scott County SHIP team in hopes of creating a healing space for those involved in the gardening, harvesting, and enjoyment of the produce grown. Implementation of the 3 separate garden spaces began in the spring of 2023 and gardening and harvesting took place in the summer and fall of 2023. The garden is managed by the MCF-Shakopee Food Service Director and Librarian and the Garden Club included over 35 incarcerated participants. Roughly 230 pounds of produce along with a variety of herbs were harvested from the gardens and were used by food service and served to the general population (approximately 570 incarcerated women).

“Our Food Service incorporated vegetables into meals for all our population when we had a large harvest. Smaller yields were utilized inside dishes that were shared with Garden Club participants. Greens were routinely mixed into traditional green lettuce salads. Basil was featured in spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce, lime basil was a great addition to pico de gallo, basil and tomatoes were used for veggie pizza, and eggplants were sliced, breaded, and crisped in the oven.” – MCF-Shakopee Librarian   

“The gardens and Garden Club meant a lot to a lot of different people here at Shakopee. The obvious impact is fresh food, but perhaps more importantly in our environment is the community and healing aspect of the gardens and gardening that has the most lasting impact. Those involved from the start who were with us in the greenhouse starting seeds were able to see the growing season from start to finish, transforming the experience of spring, summer, and fall here in prison. Their enthusiasm and curiosity was infectious and shared outside of Garden Club, including in the living units, on the telephone, in letters, and during visits. While performing tasks, many participants would talk about sharing what they’ve learned with a child or talk about memories of gardening with loved ones. For some, this was the first time they learned where tomatoes and other veggies came from.” – MCF- Shakopee Librarian   

It’s no understatement to say that the garden spaces brought joy and delight to the entire incarcerated population, including staff and visitors. While not everyone could physically visit the raised bed vegetable garden on grounds, everyone could walk by the smaller gardens located in the internal courtyards. There, they could watch as vegetables, herbs, and flowers grew and changed over time – and took pleasure in the bonus of catching pollinators in action. Monarch and hummingbird sightings would be shared between strangers and foster a sense of awe and gratitude. Many participants described their experience as being “therapeutic, stress relieving, life-giving, and brought light to an otherwise dark place”.

“This was the second summer of having the privilege to be a part of the garden club. I wanted to say how thankful I am that I was given the opportunity. When I’m out there for those moments all thoughts & worries fade and I am filled with peace, fresh air, the smell of dirt & plants, the beauty of growth and color. It is a moment of freedom. And on top of that I’m rewarded to taste amazing and delicious things I’ve never tasted before! And I think I’ve learned how to do this when I get out so I can teach my son and we can grow our own veggies together” -Garden Club Participant

SHIP was able to help connect MCF-Shakopee with the resources and gardening assistance to help in creating access to fresh produce, expose often low-income women and mothers with experience in growing healthy food and its benefits, creating a generational impact, and created a space that taps into many different dimensions of wellbeing including physical, mental, and spiritual.

Go Scott Go Resource

Interested in finding healthy eating and physical activity opportunities here in Scott County? Find various community resources, including local farmers markets, community gardens, food shelves, parks & trails, and community centers near you with Go Scott Go! You can search by address or use the legend to find a specific resource.

• Go Scott Go GIS Map
• Instructions - How to Use Go Scott Go Map (PDF)

Community Resources

• 2023 Scott County Farmers Markets (PDF)
• 2023 Scott County Farmers Markets - Spanish (PDF)
•  E-cigarettes and Other Vaping Products

School Resources

• School Toolkit for E-cigarette Use Prevention and Cessation
• Implement Curriculum to Meet New State Requirements around Tobacco
• Implement My Life, My Quit as an Alternative to Suspension 

Shakopee Community Garden

Shakopee Community Garden is now located at: 10th Avenue East and Main Street, Shakopee, MN, 55379. We are now accepting applications for garden plots for the 2023 growing season! Download and submit application below to reserve your plot. 

• Shakopee Community Garden Application (DOC)
• Contact Casey Steciw for questions: [email protected]

Garden Information

• Location: 10th Avenue East and Main Street, Shakopee, MN 55379
• Gardeners can apply for either a 4x4 plot ($15 ) or 4x8 plot ($30)
• Scholarships are available
• Garden tools, shed, and water source on site
• Seeds and starter plans will be available free of cost

Community gardens offer opportunities to provide healthier options, develop skills, and foster a sense of community. Backstretch Gardens (now Shakopee Community Garden) started harvesting in 2016 and stemmed from a strong partnership among SHIP, the CAP Agency, the City of Shakopee, Southwest Metro Intermediate District, and Canterbury Park.