Say Goodbye to ‘Slurry’: Exciting Upgrades Transform Jail Food!

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Big changes are happening for inmates at the Cuyahoga County jail. Officials are promising better food options to replace the unappetizing “slurry-type” meals that have been common.

After complaints about meal quality, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department has revamped its menus. The goal? To offer more variety and better tasting meals that inmates actually want to eat. Some new additions include sandwiches and “pour-over” meals, replacing the bland casseroles of the past. The county is also improving Kosher and Halal options, featuring meals like chili and sweet and sour chicken.

Chief Deputy Nestor Rivera noticed that many meals were going untouched. He reached out to the food vendor, Summit Foods Services, to explore better meal options. Rivera believes that by serving food people enjoy, they’re reducing waste and promoting a healthier environment in the jail. “We want our residents to be well taken care of,” he said.

Future plans include fun additions like burger and pizza nights. Better meals could lead to happier inmates and a more positive atmosphere for staff. But, these upgrades come with a higher price tag. The cost of regular meals has increased by 18 cents, bringing it to $3.39 per meal. Halal and Kosher meals, now priced at $7.21 each, are more expensive as well.

Despite the rising costs, officials say the food budget will remain within a three-year, $18 million contract with Summit. Although Rivera acknowledges potential future requests for more funding, he believes in the value of quality food. “I’d rather spend a little more to see food eaten rather than wasted,” he mentioned.

The shift to Summit Foods Services in December came after harsh criticism of the previous food provider, Trinity. Their meals were described as “absolutely terrible,” creating safety concerns among corrections officers. Since then, food reviews have significantly improved. In February, County Executive Chris Ronayne proudly shared a post on social media about the improvements.

The kitchen changes also align with broader efforts to enhance the overall environment at the jail. Recent upgrades include the replacement of 2,000 mattresses, which Rivera says greatly improved inmates’ mood.

Looking forward, Rivera and his team are committed to continual improvement. “We’re not going backwards; we’re going to continue to improve,” he asserted. This initiative reflects a growing trend in correctional facilities across the country, where better conditions are increasingly recognized as critical for rehabilitation.

As the conversation around inmates’ rights and welfare grows, Cuyahoga County seems to be taking significant steps forward. Better food and living conditions can pave the way for positive changes, both in and outside of the jail.



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