So if you're like me, you heard
Aramark and wondered what exactly this company does. Turns out this company
does many things mostly to help other corporations. They do Facilities
Management, Uniforms and Work Apparel, Food Service and Refreshments, Lodging
and Guest Accommodations, Clinical Technology Services, Cleanroom Services, and
Energy and Commissioning. Aramark has achieved some very impressive titles as
one of Fortune 500's World's Most Admired Companies, Best Employers for Healthy
Lifestyles, and Ethisphere.com's Most Ethical Companies. Like most companies,
Aramark also has its blemishes. Just a Google search revealed that are several Aramark customers unsatisfied with their food services.
For example, just last month
Aramark was fined $200,000 by the state of Michigan. Aramark is in charge of
providing the prison food service in the Michigan prison facilities. Ever since
the contract between the state and Aramark was signed last December there have
been complaints of food shortages and insufficient meal sizes. These complaints
resulted in the $98,000 fine issued this past June. The most recent problem was
the reports of maggots and employee misconduct in the prisons. The company
denies that the maggots were their fault and plans to implement new employing
techniques, yet lawmakers in Michigan are unhappy and implore the governor to
cancel the contract.
A longtime customer of Aramark,
Vassar College, also has some very strong opinions on the company’s services. The students have become very
verbal about the problems that are accumulating. Portions sizes have been a
significant concern, along with prices of these portions. One would think that
large corporations could get better deals than local grocers because they buy
in such bulk. Another problem faced at Vassar College is the size and efficiency
of the dining facilities. The main dining hall is becoming overcrowded and long
wait times are becoming more of a concern. There are also not many options for
vegetarians, vegans, or others with health concerns. After 25 years under the current contract, the College has now begun
to reconsider their current deal with Aramark.
I’m sure the company could show me
several successes for every complaint, but it makes me think what problems the
University of Kentucky could potentially be facing. I guess the students will
have to decide for themselves if the pros outweigh the cons when Aramark really
gets going over the next several years.
I never knew all the services that Aramark offered before and how that some organizations such as Vassar College and the prison in Michigan were displeased with their services. It's surprising that Aramark has many negative complaints and UK still offers them a contract. It'll be a good topic of debate when their services are in full effect coming this year.
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