Instead of idly occupying jail space during daylight hours, eligible inmates work off their societal debts and the cost of incarceration by helping cash-strapped cities and towns with appropriate manual labor projects. The program does not interfere with any union or Department of Public Works jobs. The work performed by the inmates would not otherwise be done due to fiscal or personnel constraints. Teams of six inmates, supervised at all times by trained corrections personnel, work 5 days a week from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, and then return to the jail. Projects include but are not limited to sweeping excess debris and sand from roadways; shoveling out fire hydrants during snow storms; picking up litter; painting school classrooms, town halls, libraries, fire stations, and police stations; removing graffiti; and cutting back brush. Recently, a program was begun in collaboration with Fair Foods, Inc., a nonprofit organization that revitalizes communities through the recycling of surplus materials. A farm was established at the Billerica House of Correction. Thus far, inmates have grown more than 5,000 pounds of vegetables, 20 percent of which is used to feed the inmates. The work program serves the ends of punishment, deterrence, and public safety, while teaching inmates a good work ethic and job skills.