Los Angeles County expands its sidewalk vending plan, opening applications on Friday (October 16). The program includes providing free cookable fresh food carts, offering subsidies and related assistance to help vendors obtain permits and pay operating costs.
According to reports from the City News Society, the Department of Economic Opportunity in Los Angeles County announced on Friday that it will provide 30 new fresh food cooking carts to food vendors. The specially designed carts can safely store, handle, and cook fresh ingredients on-site.
After the implementation of the plan, the total number of permitted food vendor carts operating in Los Angeles County and City will increase to 341. The new carts will join the existing lineup, which includes carts selling pre-made ice cream, cut fruits, and carts with insulation and integrated grilling equipment.
Officials stated that eligible vendors can receive the new carts for free, but they must meet the requirements of the program and obtain the applicable permits to officially possess them. Vendors with the new carts can also apply for small subsidies to cover permit application fees and operating expenses.
All menu items and food operating methods must be approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
County Supervisor Holly Mitchell stated, “Until today, street vendors cooking food with fresh ingredients have been unable to obtain health permits due to a lack of approved carts available for use. This new cart solves that problem.”
She said this will help cart entrepreneurs find ways to improve their economic situation. The county government is collaborating with Inclusive Action for the City to provide individual assistance to applicants, helping them understand the permit application process and operational requirements.
Assistance includes food handler training, a 75% subsidy for the Compact Mobile Food Operator license, assistance in finding food processing locations, and guidance on applying for the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations license.
The county government also offers a maximum of $500 in subsidies to vendors selling non-food and non-drink items in non-incorporated areas. These vendors can receive technical assistance through the Department of Economic Opportunity’s Small Business Office and Inclusive Action for the City. Applicants for vendor subsidies must undergo qualification reviews, submit required documents, and sign subsidy agreements to receive funding.
The county government points out that the sidewalk vending cart program and subsidies for food and goods vendors are applicable to those currently operating in non-incorporated areas of Los Angeles County and have been in business for at least 12 months (at the time of application). Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Los Angeles County, be the sole owner of their vending business, and have a total household income not exceeding $75,000. Officials state that applicants must meet other requirements and each household can receive a maximum of one cart.
Applications will remain open until cart supplies are exhausted. Cart inventory and subsidy funds are limited. Food vendors can visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts for eligibility requirements and to apply. Goods vendors can visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-mobility-fund to review subsidy requirements and apply.