Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Social Services
Title
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Request for Proposals for Food Services
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Recommendation
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1. Authorize the issuance of Request for Proposals for food services in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures.
2. Direct staff to return to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners with a recommendation for selection of a contractor(s).
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Background and Rationale
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The Sheriff’s Office operates the Adult Detention Center, commonly referred to as the Ramsey County jail, which is a 500-bed pre-trial facility providing safe and secure detention services to individuals following their arrest until a court disposition is reached. A variety of services are provided by the Sheriff’s Office for those in-custody, including educational programming, chemical addiction classes, parenting classes, and religious service. Through the use of contract vendors, inmate commissary, trust accounting, food service, telephone, video visitation, and tablet services are also provided.
The Social Services Department operates the Detoxification Center, which helps individuals safely manage symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal for drugs and alcohol, while providing counseling and support services.
Under state law, Ramsey County is responsible for providing food services at the Adult Detention Center and the Detoxification Center. Traditionally, food services have been provided by a contractor. The Sheriff’s Office provides Social Services with the kitchen space and equipment to deliver food services for the Detoxification Center at no cost.
On November 19, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office plans to issue a Request for Proposals for food services.
The Sheriff’s Office will return to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners for approval of the resulting agreement(s) following the county’s procurement evaluation and selection process.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The Adult Detention Center and the Detoxification Center both serve people with diverse cultural and religious beliefs and backgrounds. As such, special and religious dietary food is also provided. There is a disproportionate amount of people of color and individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. This action will help continue and strengthen the delivery of food services and provide a more humane environment.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement for this board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funding for food services in provided in the Sheriff’s Office 2026 operating budget.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Request for Proposals