UNITE HERE Local 11 Challenges Aramark’s Prison Food Contract Bid in Ohio — UNITE HERE Local 11

Event summary

UNITE HERE Local 11 sent a letter on July 31, 2026, urging Greene County Ohio officials to reconsider Aramark’s bid for prison food service contracts.
The union cited Aramark’s history of substandard food, overcharging, and sanitation issues in prisons across multiple states.
Aramark was fined $272,300 in 2014 by Ohio for contract violations including food shortages and employee misconduct.
Mississippi DOC terminated its contract with Aramark in 2021 due to allegations of spoiled and undercooked food.

The big picture

UNITE HERE Local 11’s challenge to Aramark’s prison food service contract bid highlights growing scrutiny over private sector involvement in public services, particularly in corrections. The union’s intervention underscores broader concerns about cost-cutting measures compromising quality and safety in government-run facilities. With Aramark facing repeated allegations of misconduct across multiple states, the outcome of this bid could set a precedent for how local governments weigh contractor reputations against cost considerations.

What we're watching

Contract Award Decision: Whether Greene County will heed UNITE HERE Local 11’s concerns and select an alternate provider over Aramark.
Regulatory Scrutiny: The extent to which Aramark’s past violations in Ohio and other states could impact its future bids for government contracts.
Union Influence: How effectively UNITE HERE Local 11 can leverage its worker base to pressure local governments against awarding contracts to problematic providers like Aramark.