Ohio decides to renew prison food contract

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio on Tuesday renewed a contract to feed the state’s 50,000 prison inmates with a company whose early troubles getting the job done led to criticism over privatizing the service.

The state rejected a counterproposal by the union representing prison guards and other workers after a four-person panel determined the union’s plan would cost too much.

The $130 million agreement with Philadelphia-based Aramark Correctional Services extends through June 30, 2017.

The company faced criticism last year over understaffing, running out of food and a few cases of maggots near food prep areas.

Aramark thanked the prison system and its staff for the continued commitment. “We are very proud of our employees who serve nourishing meals to 50,000 offenders every day,” said Aramark spokeswoman Karen Cutler.

The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association blasted the announcement, saying the review by the Department of Administrative Services review made false claims and assumptions about the union’s proposal.

Administrative Services took over the review after consultant Crowe Horwath declined the job last month, saying it didn’t have the staff or resources.