Connect with us

News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Oklahoma’s Prison Food Service Contract Voided

Published

on

oklahomawatch.org – Keaton Ross – 2025-06-19 06:00:00


A $74 million contract to outsource Oklahoma’s prison food services to Trinity Services Group was canceled less than four weeks after the May 13 award, following a protest from competitor Aramark. The state purchasing director sided with Aramark, leading to the June 6 contract void. The Department of Corrections plans to re-bid the service with no set timeline while continuing food quality surveys. Outsourcing aimed to save money through large suppliers, despite critics citing issues with contractors in other states. State Rep. Justin Humphrey criticized the move, questioning privatization efforts amid a $312 million push away from private prisons.

A $74 million deal to outsource Oklahoma’s prison food service operations to the Trinity Services Group was voided after fewer than four weeks. 

Aramark, a competing bidder, filed a protest with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services within 10 business days of the May 13 contract award date. The state purchasing director sided with Aramark and the contract was canceled on June 6, agency spokeswoman Christa Helfrey said.

The Trinity Services Group and Aramark did not respond to several voicemails and written inquiries. A records request for the protest letter and cancellation notice is pending. 

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kay Thompson said prison staff were notified of the cancellation on June 12. She said the agency plans to issue another bid for its food service operations, but there is no timeline. 

Thompson said the agency will continue surveying prisoners on food quality and preferences, as outlined in the voided contract with Trinity.

“We’re still going to revamp food service,” she said. 

The Department of Corrections submitted the bid in late December and pitched lawmakers on the idea during a January budget meeting. Director Steven Harpe said outsourcing would help the agency save money because large companies have suppliers and connections with which the state can’t compete. 

Critics have pointed to issues with prison food contractors in other states, including Missouri and Michigan, ranging from tiny portions to maggot-infested meat. Some prison and jail officials have also complained of food service employees smuggling contraband and having improper relationships with the incarcerated. 

State Rep. Justin Humphrey, the vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee and an outspoken critic of the Department of Corrections, said he had concerns about Trinity’s track record in other states and is pleased the deal was called off. 
“For them to say we have to get away from private prisons, spend $312 million to do it, and then turn around and try to privatize the services — I ask, ‘What’s the difference?’” he said. “That makes absolutely no sense.”

This article first appeared on Oklahoma Watch and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The post Oklahoma’s Prison Food Service Contract Voided appeared first on oklahomawatch.org

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This article from *Oklahoma Watch* presents a factual, balanced report on the cancellation of a prison food services contract, covering perspectives from state officials, lawmakers, and referencing past issues with privatized prison food in other states. While it includes critical voices and acknowledges concerns about private contractors, it does not editorialize or frame the issue in a way that aligns with a particular political ideology. The inclusion of fiscal reasoning and public accountability, along with criticism from both government and watchdog figures, reflects a neutral journalistic tone focused on transparency rather than advocacy.

News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Women spends thousands on new bathtub, still doesn’t have it months later

Published

on

www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2025-08-02 22:31:14

SUMMARY: An Oklahoma woman, Janice Brule, paid \$3,600 to a contractor for a bathtub renovation but hasn’t received the completed work months later. After paying in June, communication with the contractor, J Revival Renovations, ceased by early July. Janice resorted to hauling water from the kitchen to fill her bathtub for two months. The contractor claims the job was canceled by Janice and denies fault, saying he planned to deliver materials multiple times but faced excuses and no access. Janice, a retired special education teacher on a fixed income, cannot afford another contractor and remains skeptical about the situation.

Women spends thousands on new bathtub, still doesn’t have it months later Stay informed about Oklahoma news and weather!

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Woman honored for 50 years of giving back

Published

on

www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2025-08-01 07:17:19

SUMMARY: Janice Barba was honored for 50 years of dedicated service with Oklahoma Home Community Education Group Number 15, a nearly century-old organization focused on community education and involvement in Cleveland County. Since joining, she has actively contributed to various programs such as bread making, canning, and arts and crafts, fostering fellowship and learning. Janice was recognized through Channel 4’s Pay It Forward program, receiving a $400 award, nominated by a friend for her selfless commitment. She values the friendships and learning experiences, considering the group like family. Janice embodies five decades of giving back and community spirit.

News 4 and First Fidelity bank are honoring a woman for 50 years of helping those around her.

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Commissioner says Juneteenth omission was a 'clerical error'

Published

on

www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2025-07-30 22:53:40

SUMMARY: A county commissioner, Miles Davidson, is addressing a controversy after a resolution he proposed omitted Juneteenth from the county’s observed holidays. Davidson explained that the omission was a clerical error, not intentional. He supports adding Juneteenth back to the list, noting he originally proposed it as a holiday last year. Other officials, including Commissioner Jason Lowe and Oklahoma County Jail Trust Member Derrick Kobe, reacted to the omission on social media, initially criticizing it. Lowe has since acknowledged the mistake and plans to make a motion to reinstate Juneteenth at the upcoming commissioners’ board meeting, aiming to correct the error.

Commissioner says Juneteenth omission was a ‘clerical error’

Stay informed about Oklahoma news and weather! Follow KFOR News 4 on our website and social channels.

https://kfor.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/kfor4news
https://www.facebook.com/kfor4
https://twitter.com/kfor
https://www.instagram.com/kfortv4/

Source

Continue Reading

Trending