A New Meat Processing Retail Store Gives New Meaning To The Words “Fresh Meat”
A meat processing program has kicked off at a prison where inmates can learn how to butcher and work behind the scenes in delis.
When folks go to prison or jail, the whole idea is to help them reform. The goal is to help folks make a change and eventually go back to their lives in society. A new meat processing retail store is helping to do just that by giving people an opportunity to learn the butchering trade and even start their own business after they’re released.
According to Fox9, Located in Saginaw, Minnesota, this corrections center has a meat processing shop called The Meat Block (TMB) is run by inmate labor from the Saginaw Prison. The inmates are paid the same as other employees in the store and given the same training that any other employee would receive, so they gain important skills that can help them find work after their release.
In addition, TMB donates a portion of its meat processing profits to prisoner reform programs in Minnesota. This model has already proven successful for Kraft Foods, which has a similar facility in California that also uses inmate labor. The hope is that The Meat Block will have the same positive impact on the lives of inmates and their families, as well as contribute to reducing recidivism rates among former inmates.
The meat processing store is open to the public, so anyone can visit it and purchase fresh, locally-sourced meats and other food items.
This not only helps support the local economy, but also provides a safe haven for inmates to get the skills they need to become successful citizens after their release. The Meat Block is an innovative meat processing solution that demonstrates how businesses can have a positive impact on society while still providing valuable services and products. It’s an example of how businesses can take initiative to make a real difference in their communities.
In addition, The Meat Block is a great example of the kind of collaborative effort needed to reduce recidivism rates. By partnering with local farmers and businesses, The Meat Block creates job opportunities for former inmates and gives them the chance to gain meaningful skills that will help them as they transition back into society.
This is not the first type of skills-building program that has been presented in a prison. Some prisons have implemented entrepreneurial programs, offering classes in business and web design. But the first time a meat processing program has been put in place. However, some prisoners have started to barter their organs for reduced sentences.
Some prisons use job training skills, as well as a traditional education program. And, some places employ inmates to work for them. Private companies can also employ inmates through the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP). This program puts inmates into realistic work environments, pays them prevailing wages, and aims to help them develop marketable skills that will help inmates get jobs after being released from prison.
In addition to meat processing, some prisons have programs for inmates to train potential guide dogs for blind people. This program gives inmates a chance to make a difference in the lives of others and is also incredibly rewarding.
These programs are just a few examples of how prisons can help inmates develop skills, provide valuable work experience, and help break the cycle of crime and recidivism. By providing these meaningful opportunities, inmates can learn important life lessons while they serve time.
