Commissioners approve Aramark contract renewal for jail food; commissioners question meal quality and cost

Lucas County commissioners approved a renewal option Sept. 16 to extend the county’s food service agreement with Aramark Correctional Services for the jail.

Sheriff’s items were moved up on the agenda and staff presented the option to exercise the second renewal under the existing agreement. Commissioner Pete Gerken used the discussion to display a sample lunch tray and said the county currently pays $2.78 per meal for incarcerated individuals. Gerken urged the sheriff’s office and Aramark to consider meal quality and noted the county has previously supported workforce pathways tied to the food program.

The motion to approve the contract renewal was made and carried on a roll-call vote with affirmative votes from Commissioner Gerken, Commissioner Lopez and Commissioner Cabecki. Commissioners said they plan to continue oversight of the contract and review quality as the new contract period approaches.