Ohio wants vendor to keep feeding inmates despite problems

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s prisons agency is recommending a two-year contract renewal for the private vendor criticized for problems feeding inmates.

A state evaluation of Philadelphia-based Aramark Correctional Services found the company’s per inmate meal cost was comparable to Indiana and Michigan, where Aramark also has prison food contracts.

The recommendation completed last year and released to The Associated Press after a records request said the prisons department was satisfied with Aramark’s performance and wanted to renew despite issues with the contract.

The state has levied a total of $272,000 in fines on Aramark for contract violations, including running out of main courses, understaffing, inappropriate relationships between inmates and Aramark employees and a few cases of maggots near food preparation areas.

The state says the contract has saved Ohio millions.