Requirements

• You may only sell or give away foods and beverages approved on the seasonal food permit application.
• At each event, you may operate a maximum of two stands per permit. 
• A seasonal food permit is valid for one year, from April 1 through March 31.

Fee

The annual fee for a seasonal food permit is $245.

Payment options

We must receive applications and payments:

• Two weeks prior to the event start date, or late fees will apply.
• More than two business days prior to the event, or your event may not be approved or could be restricted.

Pay by mail: You can pay fees by check via mail. Make checks payable to: Minneapolis Finance

Pay in person: When paying in person, you can pay by check, cash or credit card.

Pay by phone: You can pay fees by credit card. City staff will call you to get your payment information.

Becoming a vendor

To become a vendor:

• At farmers markets, you need an invitation from the market manager.
• At public events, you need an invitation from the event food sponsor. 

If you you want to become a vendor in a Minneapolis Farmers market, contact the market manager.

Find a farmers market

Additional information

Mechanical refrigeration

Seasonal food vendors must use mechanical refrigeration to keep Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods cold.

Storing TCS foods on ice is not allowed.

Food equipment must be accredited or certified by:

• The National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
• Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL)
• Underwriter Laboratories (UL)

Handwashing

Lack of required handwashing stations will result in immediate closure.

Checklists and guidelines

• Food Vendor Checklist - English , Spanish  
• Food Vendor Guidelines - English , Spanish

Green To Go

Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food. Food and beverages that are meant to be eaten immediately off-site or taken to-go must be put in containers that are:

• Reusable
• Recyclable or
• Compostable

You must dispose of containers properly: 

• Recycle recyclable containers 
• Compost compostable containers  

Resources

Find food safety resources from the Health Department