Sidewalk Vending Cart Program
Announcing the distribution of CA Health Code-Compliant Carts for Vendors Operating in the Unincorporated Areas of the County and City of Los Angeles
As part of DEO’s Sidewalk Vending Program, stationary or mobile food vendors operating in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County OR the City of Los Angeles may be eligible for a California State Health Code-Compliant Sidewalk Vending Food Cart.
Through this program, the County and the City of Los Angeles will distribute a minimum of 280 fully code-compliant food carts at no cost. Cart awardees will need to obtain required permits in order to begin operating their carts as fully permitted businesses, including the Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO) Health Permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) and any Sidewalk Vending Registration Certifications or Permits required to comply with the County’s and City’s Sidewalk Vending Programs.
Grants are made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other local and federal funds administered by DEO. The application period opens January 12, 2026, and will continue while supplies last.
What You Need to Know
Explore key program information and requirements below:
Details about cart features and design
Learn about the program's history and goals
Step-by-step guide to applying
Required documents and eligibility criteria
How applicants are reviewed and selected
What vendors must do to receive a cart
Get help with your application process
Cart Types
Four types of California Health Code-compliant carts are available through this program, all approved by DPH and complying with State regulations for Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO).
Cold-Hold Carts
Designed for selling commercially prepackaged ice cream.
Cut Fruit Carts
Suitable for preparing and selling assorted fresh-cut or whole fruit on-site, as well as prepackaged, low-risk items, such as fruit bowls, açaí bowls, and other dried or snack foods.
Hot Holding Carts
Equipped for offering prepackaged hot foods and for holding precooked items, such as tamales, corn, hot dogs, and other menu options that are prepared in a permitted kitchen or commissary space approved by DPH.
Integrated Grill Carts
Allows for reheating and serving precooked meat and items, such as tamales, corn, hot dogs, and other DPH-approved hot food items, all of which must be prepared in a permitted kitchen or approved commissary.
Please note: Not all cart types may be available at the time of application. Applicants will be notified of the availability of carts and the status of their application.
Program Background
On September 23, 2022, Governor Newsom signed SB 972, a bill that modified the California Retail Food Code and established a new retail food facility known as Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) ─ administered locally by the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH). Examples of CMFOs include pushcarts, pedal-driven carts, wagons, or other nonmotorized conveyances.
In recognition of the financial barriers that exist for sidewalk vendors looking to acquire a California State Health Code-compliant cart and participate in the formal economy, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Los Angeles City Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) launched the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program.
Application Process
There are a series of steps involved in applying to the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program. DEO and its partners are ready to support all applicants as they learn about the process, check eligibility, and move through the steps.
- All applicants must:
- Apply for the program at: https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts/
- Submit information for eligibility review
- If conditionally accepted for a Sidewalk Vending Cart (within 4 weeks), all applicants must:
- Attend Sidewalk Vending and CMFO workshops, including subsidies for CMFO in unincorporated LA County
- Secure key documents, such as Seller’s Permit and Food Handler’s Certificate
- Confirm cart transportation and storage
- Complete Public Health inspections
- Apply and receive a CMFO and Sidewalk Vending permit
- Pick up cart!
The process of applying to receiving a cart, should an applicant be eligible and a cart be available, could take up to 12 weeks.
Eligibility and Documentation Requirements
To qualify for the Sidewalk Vendor Cart Program, applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements and submit the corresponding documentation to demonstrate they meet each criterion.
Please note: Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a cart award, as funding is limited and will be allocated based on eligibility, compliance readiness, and available resources.
Grantee Selection
Applications will open on January 12, 2026 and will remain open until all carts have been manufactured and distributed. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and scored according to eligibility requirements and priority criteria established by the DEO and EWDD, including how far they are in their permitting process. Priority will be given to applicants who submit both required and supplemental documentation, demonstrate efforts toward compliance, and meet additional factors determined by the County and the City of Los Angeles. Only one cart per address/applicant will be awarded.
All applications received by the end of each month will be reviewed and scored for that month’s available carts. If the number of applications with the same score exceeds the number of carts available, a lottery process will be used to select awardees. Applications not selected will automatically roll over for consideration in future months until all carts are exhausted.
Cart Distribution
Qualified and selected applicants will receive carts as they are manufactured and available for distribution throughout the program. Selected awardees will receive a conditional award, which is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to meet all permitting and eligibility requirements before a cart is issued. Failure to meet all requirements within a set timeframe will disqualify an applicant, and the cart will be returned to the pool for award reallocation.
Award Expectations
If selected, the vendor must do the following to receive a cart:
- Acquire a CMFO Permit from DPH
DEO or EWDD will work with selected individuals to apply for the CMFO permit. Applicants must meet all requirements outlined by the Department of Public Health for the CMFO, including, but not limited to the following:- Food Handler’s Certification
- Commissary Space and/or Approved Storage Facility
- Menu
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Get Permitted to Vend
Depending on where the cart will operate, obtain a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate or a City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vending Permit.
Failure to meet the above requirements by a deadline provided by the County or City will disqualify applicants.
Application Assistance
To assist applicants apply, DEO is offering the following resources and support:
Application Guidelines
Sidewalk Vending Cart Program FAQs
Informational Webinars
Upcoming informational webinars will focus specifically on the application process for the Sidewalk Vending Cart Giveaway, guiding vendors on how to apply for a California Health Code–Compliant food cart. The sessions will cover eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the steps to secure one of the approved carts, ensuring participants understand the process for receiving a cart that meets Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO) Health Permit standards and County and City sidewalk vending requirements.
One-on-One Application Assistance
If operating in the unincorporated areas of the County:
Inclusive Action for the City
2900 E Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Visit by appointment only.
DEO Office of Small Business (OSB)
4716 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
If operating in the City of Los Angeles:
Initiating Change in our Neighborhoods (ICON) - South Valley
5805 Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 801, Van Nuys 91411
Initiating Change in our Neighborhoods (ICON) - North Valley
13168 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima 91331
Additional Business Assistance
County of Los Angeles
Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) Partners
Meet a business consultant from a partnering organization that can assist you with your application and other business needs. Assistance available in English and Spanish. Visit: LACountyEMI.com
| Area | Facility Name | Address | Phone | Languages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Gabriel Valley / Northeast LA | Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship (LEEAF) | Virtual Technical Assistance | (323) 238-5995 | hi@leeaf.la | English / Spanish |
| San Fernando Valley | ICON CDC | North Valley Office: 13168 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
South Valley Office: 5805 Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 801, Van Nuys, CA 91411 |
(818) 302-6114 | info@iconcdc.org | English / Spanish |
| Southeast LA / Central LA | Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship | Virtual Technical Assistance | (323) 238-5995 | hi@leeaf.la | English / Spanish |
| Santa Clarita Valley/ Antelope Valley | College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center (SBDC) | 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 | (661) 362-5900 | sbdc@canyons.edu | English / Spanish |
City of Los Angeles
Business Source Center
For a current list and hours of operation, visit: Business Source Centers – Economic & Workforce Development Department
| Area | Facility Name | Address | Phone | Languages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Valley | ICON | 5805 Sepulveda Blvd #801, Van Nuys 91411 | (818) 616-4118 | southvalleybsc@iconcdc.org | English / Spanish |
| North Valley | ICON | 13168 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima 91331 | (818) 302-6114 | northvalleybsc@iconcdc.org | English / Spanish |
| East Los Angeles | New Economics for Women | 1780 East First Street, Los Angeles 90033 | (323) 568-1520 | ELABSC@neworg.us | English / Spanish |
| Southeast Los Angeles | CRCD | 2415 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles 90011 | (323) 450-7226 | SoutheastLABSC@coalitionrcd.org | English / Spanish |
| Hollywood | PACE | 1370 North St.Andrews Place #215, Los Angeles 90028 | (213) 989-3158 | HollywoodBSC@pacela.org | English / Spanish |
| Pico-Union / Westlake | SBDC | 3223 West 6th Street #101, Los Angeles 90020 | (213) 251-3633 | PicoUnionBSC@lattc.edu | English / Spanish |
| West Valley | Managed Career Solutions (MCS) | 18645 Sherman Way, Suite 114, Reseda 91335 | (747) 265-6201 | westvalleybsc@mcslosangeles.com | English / Spanish / Russian |
