G31 IN THE NEWS

Thousands of students graduated from San Diego State University this month, including 21 whose path to a degree included a prison cell. KPBS education reporter Katie Anastas brings us one of their stories.

Cassandra channels her green thumb, delving into the world of agriculture.

After serving 14 years in prison, 90 days of which were in solitary confinement, Chris Burroughs is now the director of Garden 31, a group that works to localize food production in San Diego's low income neighborhoods by training new farmers with a focus on formerly incarcerated men and women as well as those suffering from substance abuse issues.

Garden 31 has a vision to cultivate a community where everyone has access to nutritious food.The nonprofit organization is a beacon of hope in San Diego, cultivating more than crops—it also grows futures in agriculture. At the root of Garden 31 is Chris Burroughs, whose story of personal redemption and community resilience inspired him to start the organization in 2021.

This fascinating human being shows us his favorite morning ritual. Chris Burroughs is up and at ‘em before the sun comes up, bringing his body, his mind, and his dog into total alignment.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christopher Burroughs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation.

Garden 31 is a community-based farming organization that empowers people and reconnects them to the Earth. Chris Burroughs is the green thumb behind the nonprofit. His goal is to teach students how to farm in harmony with nature, using organic practices to heal the nature.

A former prisoner and horticulture specialist, Chris Burroughs, believes organic farming can help disrupt the cycle of recidivism.

Students earn elective credits while receiving specialized training certificates. Students have the opportunity to work with mentors to learn about growing nutritional food and creating an environment that is conducive to growth, health and prosperity.