Day: May 28, 2015

— Visitors sample chi chi and nutraloaf prepared by former inmates and officers –rn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site brings back its popular Prison Food Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. On these days visitors can sample five states' versions of nutraloaf, the "food product" issued as punishment in many American prisons, as well as "chi chi," comfort food made by inmates using ingredients from prison commissary.rnrnCourts have generally upheld the rights of prisons to serve nutraloaf, but the practice remains controversial. Freestyle BBQ, a catering company owned by correctional officer John Freeman, will create the nutraloaf samples using official recipes from five U.S. states:rnrnIdaho (Breakfast Version): Most prisons serve the same punishment loaf at every meal. Idaho may be the only state with breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. The breakfast nutraloaf uses traditional morning foods, blending cereal, milk, toast, and even orange juice into a single baked loaf.rnCalifornia: Inmates on a "disciplinary diet" in California jails are served this loaf twice a day. The recipe includes raw cabbage and chili powder. Inmates receive two slices of whole wheat bread and a quart of water with each serving.rnIllinois (Vegan Option): This vegan recipe features an unlikely combination of applesauce, tomato paste, and garlic powder. Inmates at the Tamms Correctional Center sued the Illinois Department of Corrections after being served this recipe. They alleged cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Their suit was unsuccessful.rnVermont: Prisoners sued after being served this loaf, which contains non-dairy cheese and raisins. The Supreme Court ruled that inmates must be given a hearing before being placed on nutraloaf diets. Needing to revise its policies, the Vermont Department of Corrections has suspended the practice indefinitely.rnPennsylvania: This recipe incorporates cooked rice, dry oatmeal, and mashed garbanzo beans. In Pennsylvania, nutraloaf is called a "behavior modified meal." It may be served to an inmate for a maximum of 21 consecutive meals.rnVisitors to the historic site can taste all five versions, record their thoughts on a tasting card, and decide for themselves whether serving nutraloaf is a form of cruel and unusual punishment.rnrnVisitors can also sample chi chi, a comfort food made by inmates using ingredients from the prison commissary or vending machines. Chi chi recipes vary, but commonly include ramen noodles, chips or cheese curls, meat snacks, and sugar. Formerly incarcerated individuals will prepare the chi chi using a recipe learned during their time at SCI Graterford, the prison that replaced Eastern State Penitentiary.rnrnAlso on view will be sample menus, archival photographs, and reports of the prison food throughout Eastern State Penitentiary's 142-year operational history.rnrnAll Prison Food Weekend activities are included with standard admission. Regular daytime programs, including "The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, guided Hands-On History tours, history exhibits, and artist installations, are also included in admission. Tickets are available online at easternstate.org/tickets, or at the door subject to availability.rnrnAbout Eastern State Penitentiary Historic SiternrnEastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world's first true "penitentiary," a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone.rnrnEastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is located at 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, just five blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The penitentiary is open seven days a week, year round. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children ages 7-12. (Not recommended for children under the age of seven.) Tickets are available online at www.EasternState.org or at the door, subject to availability. Admission includes "The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi; Hands-On History interactive experiences; history exhibits; and a critically acclaimed series of artist installations.rnrnFor more information and schedules, the public should call (215) 236-3300 or visit www.EasternState.org.rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150526/218600rnrnSOURCE Eastern State Penitentiary Historic SiternrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.easternstate.org

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Philadelphia, Pa (PRWEB) May 27, 2015

Garden Media believes the key to success starts with its newest client, Vita Gardens.

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The portable gardening brand is partnering with Garden Media to introduce its flagship product: the African Keyhole Garden Bed. Both companies will work together to grow life, share life and bring life to the garden.

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Based in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada Vita’s mission is to inspire gardeners to grow healthy foods through unique garden designs, regardless of their ability. Its parent company, New England Arbors, has been a leader in designs in the Outdoor Decor category for more than 15 years.

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“We want to help customers grow, whether it’s through our products or our expertise,” says Ken Machan, Vita co-founder and president. “Garden Media will help us nurture our life-long customers.”

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The Keyhole Garden was first designed in Africa as a way for gardeners to grow food in severe drought and sweltering heat conditions. Vita’s modern version of this raised bed design captures the same spirit.

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It’s both a growing and composting bed that turns kitchen scraps and other household waste into rich soil. It also uses up to 80 percent less water than a traditional garden bed does and produces more vegetables in less time.

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The Keyhole Garden has a 20-year warranty and is constructed from attractive and rot-proof food-grade vinyl (BPA- free) with stainless steel fasteners.

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“We’re proud to represent another brand that is forward thinking when it comes to this industry,” says Susan McCoy, president of Garden Media. “They’re creating innovative, portable products that help gardeners around the world.”

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Through unique product designs and collaborations, Vita shares life with others by giving back and building gardens in places like Rwanda and local food banks. Every 4 gardens sold in the United States helps build one in Rwanda.

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Members of the Vita team will travel to Africa this summer to help construct keyhole gardens in several Rwandan villages.

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For more information about Vita Gardens, visit vitagardens.com.

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Vita is a design-forward, lifestyle and portable gardening brand that helps gardeners save time, money and water while growing greater natural yields. Vita’s signature product, the African Keyhole Garden, was introduced this year. Built around an ingenious gardening technique perfected in Africa, the Keyhole Garden is a combination raised bed and composting system.