Columbus Schools Turns to Sodexo

Columbus (OH) City Schools has signed a one-year dining services contract with Sodexo, reports the Delaware News. Sodexo will manage the district’s foodservice department for a $383,705 fee plus related food purchase and management costs, with the total not to exceed $13.2 million. Sodexo will also invest $811,000 in kitchen renovations and at the district’s production center. The contract allows for four one-year renewals.

This will be the first outsource experience for Columbus Schools, which saw a $2.8 million deficit in its nutrition program’s $25.5 million annual budget in its most recent fiscal year. To help close that gap, the school board also recently voted to raise lunch prices 25 cents this coming fall and another 25 cents in two years. Last October, the district hired Joe Brown, a former Aramark Healthcare district manager, as foodservice director and he will oversee Sodexo’s activities. Former director Dudley Hawkey resigned in February 2008.