Talbot Jail Would Switch Meal Contractors to Aramark Under Corrections Director's Recommendation

EASTON, MARYLAND — Meals at the Talbot County Department of Corrections would be served by a new contractor, Aramark, starting Feb. 1, 2027, under a recommendation the County Council takes up Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Corrections Director Joseph Hughes recommends awarding Bid No. 26-10, for inmate food service management, to Aramark over the current provider, Trinity Services Group, according to his memo to County Manager Clay Stamp. The department issued the request for proposals July 24 and received two responses Sept. 23.

Both bids were priced on the jail's average population of 65 inmates. Trinity bid $5.49 per meal for 65 to 69 inmates and $5 per meal for officers' meals. Aramark bid $5.99 per meal for 65 to 74 inmates, with no charge for officers' meals, which also include a salad bar.

Each company also submitted costs for equipment improvements at the Department of Corrections: $10,000 a year from Trinity, and $20,000 a year plus a $500-a-month "Charitable Contribution" from Aramark.

Hughes wrote that both companies can meet the contract specifications and the menus are comparable, apart from Aramark's salad bar. Aramark, he wrote, offers a better plan for inmates with special diets and supports the detention center's community initiatives. Its prices are "slightly higher but still fall within the FY27 allotted budget for food service," the memo says. The memo does not say what that budget is.

Trinity also provides food service in Kent County. Aramark provides food service in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Queen Anne's, Washington and Wicomico counties, according to the memo.

The Feb. 1 start date allows for the 90-day change or cancellation notice required under the county's current contract with Trinity.

The request is item IX.H under the county manager's report. The council's open meeting begins at 5 p.m.