Aramark contract ended, Trinity to take over food service

Aramark’s contract with the state will be terminated by mutual agreement, and a transition to a new food services company will begin July 29.

Trinity Services Group of Tampa, Florida will take over food service at all prisons. The state and Trinity have entered a three-year, $158 million contract. Aramark will stick around during the transition, scheduled to be complete by Sept. 9.

Trinity specializes in prison food services, and provides meals to 300,000 inmates in 44 states every day.

Trinity was the company that assisted the state two months ago in a benchmark review of food service expenses. At the time, Aramark was asking for an increase to its $145-million contract with the state.

Cases of overfamiliarity, drug smuggling, food shortages and unsanitary conditions were commonplace during Aramark’s tenure, and MCO leaders are glad the contract is ending soon. But MCO is deeply disappointed the state isn’t returning to state-run kitchens. Little is known about Trinity. For the sake of prison safety and security, we hope their service is satisfactory.