Plainfield SD 202 to issue RFP for food‑service provider after audit finds operational gaps
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Summary
District staff reported gaps in meal capture and vendor performance and recommended issuing a request for proposals in January to improve quality, nutrition standards, procurement transparency and financial outcomes for school meals.
District staff presented a food‑service program review Dec. 10 and recommended issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for a food‑service management company in January.
Presenters told the board that the current provider has missed opportunities to increase meal participation and to maximize USDA commodity benefits, and that a detailed review showed a district‑level gap the staff quantified in meal capture. Staff said the RFP would allow the district to require clear performance standards, nutrition and quality expectations, financial transparency and an objective evaluation process. The RFP approach, staff argued, balances the option of competitive pricing and measurable service expectations with manageable transition risk.
Board members emphasized that contract specifications should include nutrition and ingredient quality standards in addition to operational metrics; staff agreed and said vendor visits and student feedback would be part of the evaluation process.
Next steps: staff plan to develop and post the RFP in January, solicit proposals, and evaluate vendors against both financial and nutrition/quality standards, with implementation timing to follow state approval processes.
