Interest in aquaponics is increasing across the country. In recent years, federal and state prison systems are increasingly interested in using aquaponics to reduce the recidivism rates of inmates by using this system to improve job skills, increase communication, provide hands-on educational opportunities, and address mental health issues among inmates. In addition to providing fresh vegetables to the cafeteria, aquaponic classes are being used as incentives for good behavior. 

Over the past two years, Janelle Hager and Chris Ward have been assisting Little Sandy Correctional Complex in Elliot County KY to establish and grow their aquaponics program. In this time, inmate enrollment in the horticulture class has increased ~25% from 15 inmates to 19. In addition, they have produced 145 pounds of fresh produce and 25 pounds of fish. 

Due to the success of the program, the KY Department of Corrections and the Warden of Little Sandy have agreed to support expansion of the program to include a commercial-sized system in their greenhouse and a saltwater shrimp system in their indoor shop area. Interest in the program is growing. Since April 2023, three prison have contacted Janelle Hager to establish their own aquaculture and aquaponics program. 

A video detailing the project is included here: https://www.facebook.com/KYCorrections/videos/187711257034094