Board approves three-year $29 million jail food contract amid questions about food quality and inmate labor

The Essex County Board approved a three-year contract with GD Correctional Services to provide food services at the county jail, drawing questions from commissioners and members of the public about menu quality, inmate labor and oversight.

Department of Corrections Director Charles presented the contract (item 11), noting it includes two one-year renewal options. Jennifer Langenbeck, resident district director for GD Correctional Food Services, told the board GD has provided meals in the county for more than 20 years, serves over 10,000 meals at the correctional facility, employs about 36 staff in the kitchen and said the vendor maintains a registered dietitian and pre/post-meal checks.

Public speakers and at least one commissioner recounted constituent complaints that included problems such as spoiled food and, in one recounted case, insects in meals. Director Charles and the GD representative said such reports did not reflect routine practice, described vendor sourcing (national suppliers named), confirmed inspections and described pre- and post-meal checks and health-department reviews. They also described dietary accommodations for Ramadan, halal, kosher and medical diets and said inmates participate in menu planning.

Commissioners pressed the administration on whether inmate workers remain involved in food preparation and on compensation for inmate workers. Director Charles said the county considered eliminating the inmate workforce for financial reasons (an estimated over $5 million annual increase) and chose instead to continue inmate involvement while increasing incentives, nearly doubling inmate pay to approximately $12.32 per hour and adding benefits such as movie night and special meals.

The board moved the contract and approved it by roll call. The vote recorded Commissioners Cooper, Gill, Luciano, Richardson, Seibold, Sermons, Vice President Murray Thomas and President Palmeiras voting "Yes." Commissioner Mercado was absent.

Why it matters: The food-services contract covers daily nutrition for people in county custody and includes operational details — vendor sourcing, dietary accommodations and corrections policies — that directly affect incarcerated people's health and conditions. Public concerns raised in the meeting prompted commitments from the vendor and corrections leadership to continue inspections and monitoring.

Next steps: Director Charles said corrections staff will continue pre- and post-meal checks, coordinate with GD's dietitian and report back to the board as needed; the contract will be executed per procurement procedures.