Exceptions

If you have one of the following licenses or permits, you do not need a Short Term Food Permit.

• Minneapolis licensed food truck
• Seasonal Food Vendor
• Cottage Food Law exempt vendors registered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Product of the Farm exempt vendors 

At least two weeks before the event, give the event food sponsor your: 

• Permit or registration number
• Minneapolis food truck license

Application

Complete all sections of the Short Term Food Permit application.

Give your application to the Event Food Sponsor at least two weeks before the event.

Short term food vendor permit application

Short Term Food Permit Application Spanish

Fees

Fees for a Short Term Food Permit:

• $95 for each public event in the City of Minneapolis
• $47.50 for public events at the Minneapolis Convention Center

Fees are doubled for late applications. Your application is late if it is received less than two weeks before your event begins.

Payment

Give your payment to your event food sponsor. Your event food sponsor will submit all Short Term Food Permit application fees along with their event food sponsor application.

Your event food sponsor may ask you to:

• Pay them directly, or
• Give them a check made out to Minneapolis Finance

Becoming a vendor

An event food sponsor must invite short term food vendors to participate in a public event. 

Additional information

Handwashing

Lack of required handwashing stations will result in immediate closure.

Checklists and guidelines

• Food Vendor Checklist (PDF) - English , Spanish  
• Food Vendor Guidelines (PDF) - 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