By ALLISSA KLINE
akline@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1612

More than 200 food-service workers employed by Sodexo Inc. will lose their jobs at Buffalo State College in May as a result of the termination of the food management company's contract with the college.

A WARN notice filed April 8 with the state Labor Department indicates that 221 workers will be laid off by May 31.

The college sought proposals from food-service vendors last fall, according to the New York State Contract Reporter, which lists the state's procurement opportunities. The proposal called for vendors interested in "the total operation of (the college's) food and beverage services," as well as "a capital investment to improve the food service program" for a 10-year time period. Bids were due Jan. 5.

A Sodexo spokesman said the company will try to place as many of its employees as possible with the new service provider. It is also looking to place employees at other Sodexo sites in the Buffalo area.

The college declined to elaborate on its decision to terminate Sodexo's contract, citing ongoing negotiations.

"In order to maintain requisite confidentiality, the college is unable to discuss or release information at this time as contract negotiations are yet under way," said Steven Olsen, assistant to the comptroller for procurement services, in a statement.

Sodexo supplied employees for Buffalo State food services for 11 years, the spokesman said.