Initial carts are available, with the full process potentially taking up to 12 weeks
Applications opened Jan. 12 for a $2.8 million program offering more than 280 free, state health code-compliant food vending carts to eligible sidewalk vendors in Los Angeles County and the city.
The Sidewalk Vending Cart Program, administered by the county Department of Economic Opportunity in partnership with the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, provides four cart types: cold-hold for prepackaged ice cream, cut-fruit for fresh produce and low-risk items, hot-holding for precooked foods like tamales or hot dogs, and integrated grill for reheating approved meats.
Vendors must be 18 or older, reside in the county, earn less than $75,000 annually from vending and operate in unincorporated county areas or the city. Selected applicants must obtain required permits, including a Compact Mobile Food Operation health permit from the county Department of Public Health.
Applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis until carts are distributed, prioritized by compliance progress and need, with lottery selection if demand exceeds supply.
Community organizations Inclusive Action for the City and ICON Community Development Corporation will provide permitting navigation and support in multiple languages.
The program follows state laws establishing mobile food operations and local ordinances aimed at formalizing vending while addressing cost barriers.
Initial carts are available, with the full process potentially taking up to 12 weeks.
More information and applications are at opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts.
