Contact:
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist 
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov

 LA County DEO Launches Applications for Expanded Vending Program: New Raw-to-Cooked Carts and Grants Now Available

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced that applications are now open for new raw-to-cooked carts through its Sidewalk Vending Cart Program. The expansion gives 30 additional food vendors access to carts designed to safely store, handle, and cook raw ingredients on-site, helping more entrepreneurs obtain the equipment needed to operate as permitted sidewalk vendors. This brings total available carts to 341 for permitted vendors in both LA County and LA City.

The new raw-to-cooked cart, joins the program’s existing options for prepackaged ice cream, cut fruit, hot-holding and integrated grill carts. Carts are provided at no cost to qualified vendors, who must complete program requirements and obtain applicable permits before being able to take ownership of the cart. In addition to the raw-to-cooked cart, a small grant is jointly available to awardees to subsidize permitting and operating costs. Cart and grant availability is limited, and all menus and food operations are subject to approval by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH).

In addition, food vendors in the unincorporated areas of LA County who are conditionally awarded an eligible food cart model, specifically fruit, hot-holding, cold-holding, or integrated grill carts (excluding the raw-to-cooked model), undergo a screening for an accompanying $5,000 grant to directly cover operational costs and permitting fees, such as acquiring a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC) and Compact Mobile Food Operator (CMFO) health permit, including commissary space, equipment, and more. Applications will remain open while supplies last, as cart inventory and grant funding are strictly limited and subject to availability.

In partnership with Inclusive Action for the City (IAC), DEO is also connecting eligible vendors with individualized support to help navigate permitting and business requirements. Each applicant is provided one-on-one assistance to meet permitting requirements, including completing food handler training, acquiring a 75% CMFO permit subsidy through DEO, and locating available commissary space or applying for the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit through DPH.

“This is how we streamline County permitting while creating opportunities for our sidewalk vendors to become part of the formal economy of Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “The County’s cart program not only connects local entrepreneurs to a food cart that will serve their needs, but ensure they receive the assistance needed to operate safely and successfully. With these carts, vendors can build resiliency and generational wealth one sale at a time.”

“Until today, vendors who cook from raw ingredients couldn’t get a health permit because there was no approved cart for them to use. This new cart fixes that. It gives our vendor entrepreneurs a way to operate legally, and with these carts and one-on-one help from DEO and Inclusive Action, a path to economic mobility. I’m proud the County was able to bring this forward, and I encourage every eligible vendor to apply,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“A cart alone does not address every barrier a sidewalk vendor faces,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “By connecting equipment, financial assistance and hands-on guidance, DEO and its partners are helping entrepreneurs take the steps needed to operate safely, meet requirements and grow their businesses.”

Support also extends to merchandise vendors selling goods exclusively (no food or beverages) in unincorporated LA County. They can access technical assistance through DEO’s Office of Small Business and IAC. Merchandise vendors can receive a grant of up to $500. Applicants must complete screening, required documentation, and a grant agreement before receiving an award. Grant funding is limited and distributed while supplies last.

The Sidewalk Vending Cart Program and available food and merchandise grants serve current sidewalk vendors operating in unincorporated LA County if they have been in operation for at least 12 months at the time of application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in LA County, be the sole owner of their sidewalk vending business and have gross annual household income of $75,000 or less. Additional requirements apply, and each household is eligible to receive only one cart.

Food vendors can review eligibility requirements and apply at opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts. Merchandise vendors can review grant requirements and apply at opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-mobility-fund.

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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, LA County Film Office, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.