The Massachusetts Department of Correction has introduced a new program that might take a little bit of the sting out of a state prison term.

In April, the inmates of the minimum-security Pondville Correctional Center in Norfolk were the recipients of 40,000 bees — including two queens — in order to learn beekeeping.

“Innovative programs like this are one of the many diverse offerings from the DOC that provide new skills and pathways for growth and rehabilitation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The beekeeping program gives people a chance to learn about the environment, work with their hands, and experience the benefits of being engaged and connected to nature. Supporting this growth helps individuals successfully reenter society and build stronger, safer communities.”

The program was spearheaded by Susan Goldwitz, a longtime DOC facility worker who had taken up beekeeping as a personal hobby and realized its potential to provide transferable skills to the inmates, according to a DOC statement. Goldwitz reached out to Pondville Superintendent Lisa Curto and continued to develop it with new Superintendent Joy Gallant as well as Joseph Salvucci, the director of treatment and classification.

The bees were donated by the company Best Bees, whose experts will harvest the honey for use by Pondville or donation.

“As the program grows, individuals at Pondville will get hands-on training in caring for beehives, collecting honey, and learning about the environment. They’ll also learn about insects and ecosystem, gaining both useful skills and scientific knowledge,” a DOC spokesperson said.

The program has fringe benefits for others, too. The bees have been helping to pollinate the plants in the facility’s fruit and vegetable garden which has contributed to the more than 400 pounds of produce donated to a food bank in Franklin since August.