Council approves up-to-$480,480 contract to feed youth in juvenile services; officials report cost savings

The Metropolitan Council on Nov. 25 authorized an interagency contract — not to exceed $480,480 — for the Bayou Effect to provide meals to youth and staff at the juvenile detention facility for Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026.

Doctor Wade, representing juvenile services, told the council the contract total is a maximum that accounts for full occupancy; actual spending so far this year is $233,000 with December remaining, down from $308,000 the prior year. She said the program provides three meals and a snack, and daily counts vary: some days the facility has recorded as many as 45–47 juveniles but the day of the meeting the count was about 25. Wade said nearly 600 juveniles had passed through the facility during the year to date, the highest in three years.

Council members asked for more precise counts and cost breakdowns; Wade agreed to email requested estimates and to provide additional detail at a future meeting if needed. Councilwoman Maraca led questions about per-day counts and costs; other members asked about procurement method; staff said this was the first procurement done via RFP for the contract and that savings have been realized relative to prior emergency arrangements.

Councilman Dunn Jr. moved the item; Councilwoman Amorosa seconded the motion. Chair called for opposition and announced the motion carries.

Next steps: The contract will be executed and the juvenile services director and purchasing staff will implement the awarded contract and provide follow-up details to the council as requested.