State changes food service provider for prison meals

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan prison facilities will begin transitioning to a new food service provider this month under an agreement reached between the state of Michigan and Trinity Services Group. The determination follows a mutual agreement between current food service provider Aramark, and the Michigan Departments of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) and Corrections (MDOC) to end their current relationship.

“The contract with Trinity will ensure uninterrupted food delivery service in Michigan correctional facilities,” said Brom Stibitz, chief deputy director of DTMB. “Michigan taxpayers will continue to save millions of dollars per year, with assurance that the state will receive quality service in return.”

Trinity Services Group currently operates prison food service in 44 states, serving more than 300,000 inmates daily.

“Prison food service is integral to the safe and secure operations of Michigan’s prison system,” said MDOC Director Heidi Washington. “I look forward to working with our new partners at Trinity and am confident in their commitment to provide quality services.”

Legislation first approved in 2012 required open bidding of food service operations to reduce correctional costs. Since then, the state has saved more than 10 percent of its operational costs for food service each year and similar savings will be achieved under the new agreement.  The contract with Trinity must first undergo review and be approved at a public meeting of the State Administrative Board.

All parties are committed to ensuring a smooth, collaborative transition over approximately the next 60 days. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, is the planned effective date for the completion of the transition.