The Hon. Enver Erdogan, Minister for Corrections (Vic), Media Release, 13 April 2026
Victorians doing it tough are getting fresh food on the table thanks to produce grown by Marngoneet Correctional Centre.
Participants in Marngoneet’s horticulture program grow and donate more than 30 vegetable boxes each week to help Victorians experiencing food insecurity.
The partnership with Geelong Foodshare has been running for more than 13 years with over 15,000 kilograms of vegetables donated this year alone.
Participants learn practical skills including plant propagation, pruning and harvesting – building job?ready skills for when they return to the community.
Seeds are donated by local business Boomaroo Nursery with all produce grown from those seedlings donated to local charities.
Geelong Foodshare supports people facing food insecurity by sourcing nutritious food and distributing it through more than 55 frontline charities and two community mini marts across the region.
One participant said knowing the vegetables help families doing it tough was deeply rewarding.
The horticulture program plays a key role in rehabilitation – helping people in custody develop skills, build confidence and improve mental health.
Rehabilitation and pathways to employment reduces reoffending to help keep Victorian communities safe.
Quote attributable to Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan
“Building skills and pathways to employment reduces reoffending – and that makes our communities safer.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“Geelong Foodshare do fantastic work supporting families in the region – this partnership is delivering for both people in custody and the Geelong community.”
Quote attributable to Corrections Victoria Commissioner Larissa Strong
“Marngoneet’s horticulture program builds job skills while contributing positively to the community.”
Quote attributable to Marngoneet Correctional Centre General Manager Aoife Johnston
“It’s incredibly positive to see this program benefit both people in custody and local families in need of fresh, healthy food.”
Quote attributable to Geelong Foodshare CEO Andrew Schauble
“This partnership provides food for families in need while giving people in custody a sense of purpose and contribution.”
