Promoting Health through Organic Gardening: Systems Change at Coffee Creek

Health Challenges for Incarcerated Women 43% of female inmates are obese vs. 27% of male prisoners. - The National Institute of Corrections “Obesity in Prison: A Gender Difference” (2015) Average weight gain at Coffee Creek is 20 lbs. in the first 6-24 months - Oregon Public Health Survey (2012) 73% of female inmates have a mental health diagnosis vs. 55% of male inmates - Center for Effective Public Policy (2010)

MCNW, DOC & Oregon Public Health Partnering for Change Kaiser Healthy Food Access Project Calories reduced from 3,000 to 2,200 per day Garden area expanded to main prison yard 6000 lbs. organic produce for inmate meals Garden and nutrition education for 120 women each year

Full-time Garden Crew/Peer Educators

National College of Naturopathic Medicine Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME)

Systems Change – Growing Forward Spirit Mountain $15,000 grant for garden program DOC Behavioral Health Services - DBT Garden Classes Approval to plant gardens in the medium facility

“This garden gives me hope for the future.”