Ohio to Privatize Prison Foodservice

The Ohio prison system will privatize its food service operations in its 28 prison facilities in order to save $28 million over the next two years, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The state's Department of Rehabilitation & Correction says the contract with Aramark Correctional Services will help close a $60 million deficit in its budget for the 50,000-inmate operation. The two-year deal is worth $110 million with the option for two two year extensions. Currently, the state spends $78 million on foodservice annually. Aramark's bid reportedly was for 92 cents a meal the first year and $1.01 for the second.