Yolo County is taking a unique approach by focusing on helping unlicensed food vendors rather than punishing them. This initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs while ensuring public safety. The Road to Licensure program is at the heart of this effort.

Building a Community through Licensure

Taco trucks have become quite popular, and Yolo County is eager to see more food trucks operating with the proper permits and licenses. As Yolo County Board of Supervisor Angel Barajas emphasizes, "We're not here to punish. We're here to help. We're here to build a community." The past year and a half has seen the county working diligently on this program. Health officials became concerned about the rise in unlicensed food carts and the sale of meat from trucks and coolers in various locations. Some customers even reported falling ill, highlighting the importance of proper regulations.The pilot program plays a crucial role in guiding vendors through the process of obtaining the correct permits and licenses. There is an educational aspect to it, ensuring that the temperature of food is maintained correctly and adjusted as needed. Sanitization measures are also emphasized, and having nearby restrooms is a requirement.Yolo County residents have the opportunity to apply for a ,000 grant to purchase a legally approved food cart. These carts typically cost between ,000 and ,000, making the grant a significant help. In addition, the county is waiving the fees for permits for the first year, which amounts to about ,000. This provides an incentive for more vendors to get licensed and join the community.Barajas believes that there is a demand for these food vendors and that by working with them, a better community can be built. The new program will kick off in January with educational workshops and classes, further supporting the vendors in their journey towards licensure.A 2023 state policy, the California Retail Food Code, has opened the door for Yolo County's Road to Licensure program. Barajas hopes that other counties will take notice and implement similar initiatives in their own communities.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter