Food Permit Process
Serving or selling food/beverages at a public campus event? A "Temporary Food Permit" may be required to help protect our campus community and meet California food safety requirements.
Campus departments and organizations may also invite approved food vendors to participate in UCR events.
Use this site to:
- Apply for a Temporary Food Permit
- Learn when a permit is required
- Invite an approved food vendor
- Become an approved UCR food vendor
Permit Requirement
A Temporary Food Permit is required when food or drinks are served to the public at a campus event.
A permit is not required for:
- Events catered by UCR Citrus Grove Catering
- Internal department events, such as staff meetings or celebrations
- Registered student organizations (RSO) events that are invitation-only or members-only
Step 1: Choose an approved vendor
All food and drinks must come from an approved source.
You may use:
- An approved UCR food vendor
- A local major chain grocery stores and warehouses, such as Ralph's, Food4Less, Costco, Sam's, etc.
- Beverages from Approved Prepackaged/Bottled drinks list.
Step 2: Complete Food Safety Training
Anyone preparing, cooking, serving, or handling food must complete the UCR Online Food Safety Training prior to applying. Training is valid for 24 months.
Minimum Trained Staff:
- Hot food: At least three trained people
- Cold food: At least two trained people
- Everyone handling food and drinks must be trained.
At least the minimum trained staff must be present whenever food or drinks are being prepared, served, or sold.
Important
Students: First-time UCR Learning Center users may need to create an UCLC Supplemental Profile. If you have trouble accessing the UCR Learning Center, visit UCR Learning Help or email ucrlearning@ucr.edu for assistance.
Step 3: Apply for a Permit
Apply for a permit at least 7 business days in advance of your event.
Food Vendors Requirements
Interested in serving food at UCR? Vendors must be sponsored by a UCR department or registered student organization and approved by UCR Procurement before operating on campus.
Step 1:
Get a UCR Sponsor
A UCR Department or Registered Student Organization (RSO) must sponsor the vendor for a campus event.
Step 2:
Provide Current Documents to EH&S
- A valid health permit
- Each employee's food handler cards
Provide Current Documents to Risk Management
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) meeting University's requirements
Step 3:
Become an Approved Vendor
Complete the UCR Procurement approval process to be added to the Approved Vendor List.
Information
This packet provides detailed information on how non-UCR vendors can get approved to operate on campus along with checklists and forms.
Compliance
EH&S
Risk Management
HUB
The HUB also offers additional RSO fundraising opportunities for non-food vendors throughout the year. Please contact HUB Scheduling at hubscheduling@ucr.edu for more information.
Environmental Health and Safety: ehspublichealth@ucr.edu; (951) 827-5528
HUB Scheduling: hubscheduling@ucr.edu; (951) 827-3215
Student Life: ucrlife@ucr.edu; (951) 827-7344
Procurement: (951) 827-3095
Step 1: Choose an Approved Source
Food must come from:
Approved vendors
Major grocery stores
Approved bottled beverage list
Step 2: Complete Food Safety Training
Who needs training?
Anyone preparing food
Anyone serving food
Training valid 24 months
Start Food Safety Training
Step 3: Submit Your Permit Application
Submit your application at least 7 BUSINESS DAYS before your event.