Short-term food event licensing (itinerant)
Hennepin County has two types of short term food licenses, regular and low risk. Please submit your application with payment at least 10 days prior to the event.
Additional helpful documents
Please direct phone calls to 612-543-5200.
Legislative update
New State Legislature has passed that affects itinerant food licensing. These changes are effective August 1, 2011.
For more details, please contact Hennepin County Environmental Health Department, 612-543-5200, and ask to speak with an inspector or supervisor.
Legislative bill, S.F. No. 477
Faith-based organizations
Faith-based organizations serving food in their building (church, synagogue, other houses of worship) or on their property for fund-raisers or community events are exempt from licensing. However, they must provide a certified food manager or volunteer trained in a food safety course.
NOTE: This exemption does not apply to faith-based organizations at the state agriculture society or county fairs, or to faith-based organizations that choose to apply for a license.
Faith-based exemptions (PDF)
Tax-exempt fraternal, sportsman or patriotic organizations
These organizations holding food events in their building(s) or on their property at which home-prepared food is donated by organization members for sale at the events, are exempt from licensing, provided:
- The event is not a circus, carnival or fair
- The organization controls the admission of persons to the event, the event agenda, or both
- The organization's licensed kitchen (if they have one) is not used in any manner for the event
NOTE: These exemptions do not apply if the event is held at a location other than their own property.
Other exemptions (PDF)