Edible crops program grew under Scott

On the campaign trail in 2010, one way Gov. Rick Scott promised to slash state spending was to reduce prison costs by $1 billion. Scott broke that promise. But he did make progress toward one piece of that plan we evaluated separately: using inmate labor to grow prison food.

When Scott took office, the state already had such a program in place, so PolitiFact Florida has been evaluating his progress based on whether he expanded the program.

The state Department of Corrections sent us data about the edible crops program in the budget year that started before Scott took office (2010-11) and then throughout his tenure. The budget for the edible crops program increased under Scott -- and so did the weight of the crops grown by inmates.

Inmates have grown broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, greens, peas, watermelon, and other fruits and vegetables.

The crops are used "to supplement inmate meals, help inmates learn a skill and reduce inmate idleness," according to the Department of Corrections website.

Scott delivered on his promise to use inmate labor to grow prison food. We rate this Promise Kept.