New food vendor coming to Lake County jail

The meals at the Lake County jail won't be mistaken for the steaks at Gibsons or the gastronomic deconstructions at Alinea, but Deputy Chief Douglas Larsson insists the cuisine is tasty.

“It is quite good,” said Larsson, who helps oversee jail operations. “Many of us eat in house.”

But change is inevitable in any successful professional kitchen — even one in a jail.

And so this week, the Lake County Board approved a contract with a new food vendor for the main jail in downtown Waukegan.

A Downers Grove company called Aramark Correction Services will take over meal production for the facility. The contract with the current vendor, a Minnesota firm called A'viands, expires Dec. 31.

The contract is a two-year deal that includes three, 1-year renewal options. Aramark will be paid about $910,305 a year.

The county spends about $1 for each inmate's meal. With a daily average of 625 inmates, the jail serves about 1,900 meals each day.

Any employees who eat meals prepared at the jail pay for them out of their own pockets, Larsson said.

Under the pact with Aramark, the cost of meals will decrease by about 5 percent, which will save the county about $16,000 annually.

Jail officials are happy with the staff that's been preparing and serving meals to the inmates, and Aramark will ask most of them to stay on, Larsson said.

Lake County's inmates are served three meals a day, and at least two of those are hot meals, he said.

Entrees vary each day.

Oatmeal, biscuits and gravy and pancakes are common breakfast dishes, Larsson said.

Lunch can be salad, a hamburger, a casserole or sloppy Joe's, among other options.

For dinner, a beef patty, turkey, chicken or spaghetti are typically served, Larsson said.

“All with a dessert,” he added.

A special meal is prepared for Thanksgiving, Larsson said: real turkey.

The menus won't change after Aramark takes over.

A registered dietitian is on staff to ensure meal content is sufficient, Larsson said. Additionally, menus are evaluated at least quarterly to ensure they adhere to basic daily requirements.

The average calorie count is 2,500 calories per day, he said. The minimum set by the Illinois Department of Corrections is 2,000 calories.

Diets are adjusted to accommodate medical needs, religious practices and other issues.

Aramark's business extends beyond jails and prisons. Its employees cook dishes for grade schools, college campuses, senior-living facilities, convention centers and many other types of venues.