The program provides incentives for Yolo County food vendors to obtain a license

Instead of punishing unlicensed food vendors, Yolo County leaders want to help them with their businesses. The county is creating a pilot program to support local business owners while keeping the public safe. It’s called the “Road to Licensing.” Taco trucks are popular and the county hopes to see more food trucks with the proper permits and licenses. “We are not here to punish. We are here to help. We are here to build a community,” said Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas. He said they have been working on the Road to Licensure program for the last year and a half. At the time, health officials became concerned about the increase in unlicensed food trucks and selling meat from their trucks and coolers in parking lots and on roadsides. Barajas said some customers have reported getting sick. “There were some concerns about public health and safety, but also some concerns about permitting,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we had a process where everyone followed the rules.” The pilot program will help obtain the proper permits and licenses. “There is some education behind this to ensure the temperature of your food is correct. The temperature will be adjusted if necessary,” Barajas said. He said there are some disinfection measures and that toilets need to be nearby. Yolo County residents can apply for a $1,000 grant to purchase a legally licensed food truck. Food carts cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. “We know it’s expensive. But there is a grant opportunity that the county provides to ensure that these unlicensed food vendors can obtain a license,” Barajas said. The county is also offering another incentive to get more licensed food trucks. Fees for first-year permits, which are about $5,000, will be waived. “We know there is a demand and we also see where the middle ground is so we can work with everyone and build a better community and also entrepreneurs,” Barajas said. The new program will begin in January with educational workshops and courses. A 2023 state policy, the California Retail Food Code, allowing wheelbarrows and carts to be licensed opened the opportunity for Yolo County’s Road to Licensure program. Barajas said he hopes other counties will see their program and implement it in their communities. For more coverage of top California stories, click here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter