Uncovering the Food Vendor Woes at Cuyahoga County Jail

Allegations and Complaints

People incarcerated at the Cuyahoga County Jail have long been vocal about the food provided by the now-former vendor Trinity Services Group. However, a new vendor, Summit Food Service LLC, was unanimously approved for a three-year, $18 million contract on Nov. 19 by the Cuyahoga County Public Safety & Justice Affairs Committee. Special Assistant Jim Carbone stated that Summit's food "tasted pretty good," but this claim seems to contrast with the numerous complaints and investigations faced by other jails that have hired Summit.

In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, incarcerated people reported poor food and working conditions after Summit took over. Audits, media reports, and jail surveys all pointed to these issues. In February 2023, Summit insisted that it followed safety standards and meal requirements in its contract with the jail. But the county, which includes Pittsburgh, had previously been with Trinity Services Group and faced criticism for high prices, quality issues, and pest infestations. Last year, Allegheny County switched back to Trinity.

Investigations and Lawsuits

In January 2024, a Fulton County Sheriff's investigation at the jail in Georgia uncovered an alleged contraband smuggling network involving Summit Food employees. Warehouse supervisors, an assistant director, and two food service workers were arrested and accused of smuggling tobacco into the facility. Despite this, Summit itself was not charged.

Incarcerated women at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility sued the New Mexico Department of Corrections and Summit in a 2021 federal lawsuit. They argued that Summit failed to address a severe rodent infestation in the kitchen and dining areas, which contaminated the food. Rodents were found falling into pots of stew and oatmeal. In court documents, Summit acknowledged the presence of rodents but denied it was an "infestation" or posed any danger.

In 2019, the Boone County Grand Jury in Minnesota investigated the Boone County Jail and found that Summit's meals were low in calories and nutritionally lacking. Summit disputed these findings, claiming that it always provided nutritious meals. As a result, Boone County ended its contract with Summit in 2019 and switched back to Trinity, which continues to be the jail's food service provider.

These incidents highlight the significant challenges and controversies surrounding the new food vendor at the Cuyahoga County Jail. It remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and what measures will be taken to ensure the well-being and proper nutrition of the incarcerated population.