Published: 3/17/2013

Ohio food vendors fear financial loss in state's proposal to contract out prison food service

ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Small businesses are concerned they may be hurt financially by Ohio's plan to contract out prison food service.

The Kasich administration hopes to save up to $15 million by using contactors to provide meals for prisoners in Ohio.

Bids to provide the food-service contract are due April 12.

The (Columbus) Dispatch reports that some private vendors that sell to the state are concerned that they will be shut out if a big company takes over food service.

In addition, the union representing prison employees is working on an alternative money-saving proposal.

The state says vendors will have a chance to work as subcontractors and suppliers.

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