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Racine Unified recommends 3% Aramark contract increase, district says USDA rules cap raise and reimbursement secured through June 2026
Summary
District staff presented the second of four one‑year renewals for Aramark food services with a recommended 3% increase (the maximum allowable under USDA guidelines); staff said reimbursement is guaranteed through June 30, 2026, and noted upcoming federal nutrition changes the vendor is preparing to meet.
Racine Unified School District staff presented a renewal proposal on Monday to continue Aramark as the district's food service provider, recommending a 3% price increase for fiscal year 2026 that staff said is the maximum allowable under U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines.
"Tonight, we are here to present our second of four 1‑year renewals for our district food service provider, Aramark. The recommended increase for FY26 is 3%, which is the maximum allowable under USDA guidelines," a staff member introduced, and noted the presentation included the district food service manager and Aramark's general manager.
Board members asked about funding and procurement. Staff said reimbursement is guaranteed "through June 30 of...2026." The district also confirmed it issues a request for proposals every five years; the most recent RFP was completed in February 2023. Board members raised nutrition and product‑quality concerns, including questions about dyes and low‑end products; district staff and the vendor said they are working to meet forthcoming USDA nutrition requirements on sodium and sugar by 2027 and are already identifying compliant products.
No formal action was taken at the work session; staff said the renewal will be on the agenda for a vote at the next business meeting.
