TITLE
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH OPEN KITCHENS INC., FOR THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM AND THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD SERVICE (AT-RISK AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM) DISTRICTWIDE
SPECIFICATION NO. P- 25003
BODY
To: The Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
Pursuant to Chapter XI, Section C.3.a. of the Code of the Chicago Park District (the “Code”), the Director of Purchasing and the Director of the Department of Community Recreation recommend that the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District (the “Board”) authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to enter into a contract (the “Agreement”) with Open Kitchens Inc. (the “Awardee”), for the supply and delivery of purchased meals for the summer food service program and child and adult care food service, districtwide. The contractors were selected pursuant to a publicly advertised Invitation for Bid (“IFB”). No work may commence, and no payment shall be made prior to the execution of a written Agreement.
II. Award Information
Awardees: Open Kitchens, Inc.
3348 South Pulaski Rd.
Unit D
Chicago, IL 60632
Company Type: Business Corporation
Majority Interest: Terese M. Fiore 51%
Anthony Fiore 49%
Contract Period: One (1) year initial term with four (4) additional one (1) year extension options. If contract extension options are exercised, funding shall be based upon annual appropriations.
Contract Amount: Not to Exceed (NTE) $2,700,000.00 for the initial contract term. The Agreement is a DUR (Depends Upon Requirements) contract, where the actual annual spending for the initial contract term and each contract extension term are based on the Park District’s identified needs and will be authorized by annual appropriation subject to each year’s budget.
Compliance
Goals: The Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation for this contract meets the compliance goals of 25% MBE participation and 5% WBE participation. The proposal for this authorization includes 75% participation with Open Kitchens, Inc. as a WBE, self-preforming vendor and 25% MBE participation.
Scope of Services: For the supply and delivery of Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Food Care Service (At-Risk After School Program) districtwide.
Authorization: Authorize the General Counsel to include other relevant terms and conditions in the written Agreement. Authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to execute the Agreement and the Secretary to attest as to the signing of the Agreement and keep an original copy of the Agreement on file.
III. Budget and Financial Information
Budget Classification: Operating
Fiscal Year: 2026
Source of Funds: 151.8425.8425.623130.DA001.26.06.91019.
IV. Procurement Information
Specification Number: P-25015
Date Advertised: November 21,2025
Date Bids Due: January 5, 2026
Number of Bids Received: Two (2)
Bid Evaluation Detail: Lowest responsive, responsible bidder
This contract was publicly advertised as an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) and there was a total of one category for bid.
Two (2) bids were submitted and received by the due date and time. The Department of Purchasing (“Purchasing”) reviewed the bids received and found one bid both responsive and responsible. The Department of Community Recreation reviewed the bid of the apparent lowest responsive bidder, and it has been determined that Awardee is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
V. Explanation
The Department of Community Recreation-oversees meal service for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) across 200 sites in the district. In 2025, the Chicago Park District provided 951,914 meals to youth and teens in our parks. These programs provide nutritious meals to children and teens in need during the summer months and throughout the year, ensuring that all participants have access to healthy food options regardless of their circumstances.
To maintain these critical services, the Department of Community Recreation requires the support of experienced companies that supply the necessary food items, materials, and related services on an as-needed basis. By securing contracts with vendors who offer competitive and reasonable prices, the department can ensure the timely and efficient delivery of meals to the designated sites, meeting the operational demands of both SFSP and CACFP.
The Awardee has submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bids for the applicable contract categories. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Chicago Park District to award Awardee the contract for the supply and delivery of purchased meals for the summer food service program and child and adult care food program, districtwide . This will enable the Department of Community Recreation to continue providing essential meal services at a fair and reasonable cost, supporting the health and well-being of the communities served by the SFSP and CACFP.
VI. General Conditions
1) Conflicts: No Agreement shall be legally binding on the Chicago Park District if entered into in violation of the provisions of 50 ILCS 105, the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
2) Ethics: The Agreement shall contain a provision requiring compliance with Chapter III of the Code (“Governmental Ethics”).
3) Contingent Liability: Any Agreement lawfully entered into for a period of more than one year shall be executory only for the amounts for which the Park District may become liable in succeeding fiscal years pursuant to 70 ILCS 1505/17(i).
4) Economic Disclosure Statement (“EDS”). Awardee has submitted a full and complete EDS prior to submission to the Board.