EDWINS founder proposes new jail food service plan, Cuyahoga County to choose new provider soon

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The spotlight is being shone on food at the Cuyahoga County jail by both county council and one Cleveland-area entrepreneur who wants to see an overhaul of the jail's nutrition program.

The quality of prison food may be controversial to some, but these interested parties believe this could be a step forward, leading to better care for inmates and their rehabilitation, potentially turning it into a national example.

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"I see this as the biggest opportunity our county has among any other thing that they could do, and it's history and it's legacy," EDWINS founder, President and CEO Brandon Chrostowski said.

Chrostowski is fed up with what he's hearing about the quality of nutrition inside the jail.

"You can have inmates tell you through the thousands of complaints that they've filed and have said," he said. "I think that would speak for itself. What I saw in the one day that they walked me through was [things] looked good. Right? I mean, but I later found out that it was all just a show."

Aiming to make a big change, EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant submitted a request for proposal to win the contract to provide meals for the jail. It proposed providing wraparound education and meals for inmates, using current inmates for labor and providing them with culinary and business experience.

"So, the way we look at this is rehabilitation, as healing — not as what you're currently doing here in Cuyahoga County , as punishment and inhumane treatment."

Overhauling the nutrition program is something that will likely cost more money, but Chrostowski said that's money well spent that will cycle back into society.

"Something like $3.15 per meal," he said. "So, for what the county wants and is asking for $3 and change a day, we believe it should be $3 and change a meal. With this, though, think about this: better food, right? Better for your health, better for culture, better for attitude and behavior. Easy."

In a statement to FOX 8 News, the office of County Executive Chris Ronayne said it is following Ohio Administrative Code's minimum standards for jails in Ohio .

"After the latest RFP process for a new food service vendor contract, proposals were submitted to the county by three vendors. Following an evaluation process, a resolution to approve a contract for a new food service vendor was selected to meet or exceed minimum standards," reads the statement.

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On Nov. 12, Cuyahoga County Council was expected to introduce new legislation for a contract with Summit Food Service, LLC. The new contract will be for no more than $18 million over the next three years.

"I've been outspoken about the food offerings in the county jail since taking office," District 9 County Councilwoman Meredith Turner said in an emailed statement. "After meeting with staff from the current food vendor, expressing my concerns and tasting the food myself, I believe we are in need of change. I am looking forward to next week's presentation from the administration's proposed new food vendor. Healthy, quality, good-tasting food is my top priority for inmates in our care."

Chrostowski said his proposal is slightly more expensive at $19.5 million over 3 years. He plans to write a letter to council in addition to his RFP. He hopes he's heard before the new policy is voted and adopted on Dec. 3.

"So, here's an example," he said. "Let's take a high road, a more difficult road, but a road that's going to flip the script of how jails are run across the country."

He suggested if there is a funding gap, perhaps it can be met through philanthropy.