WOODVILLE — Wilkinson County Correctional Facility recently surprised its offenders and staff with a special dish of jambalaya donated by volunteers and two Louisiana restaurants.

Warden Frank Shaw said the event was a first for the facility, which houses over 900 offenders.

The idea for the special event originated with John and Andi Bayer of Free at Last Prison Ministries, Baton Rouge. They arranged to have the food donated by The Jambalaya Shoppe, and Montalabano Seafood & Catering, both of Baton Rouge. Each restaurant donated 400 pounds of jambalaya.

The Bayers arrived at the facility with a team of six volunteers to assist them with the preparation and distribution of the meal. They were joined by WCCF staff.

“The expression on everyone’s face regarding the meal was one of great satisfaction,” Shaw  said.