Community food distribution
What to know
When you need a permit
You need this permit if you:
- Have a temporary event to give away food to people in need
- Are a Minneapolis licensed food shelf and want to provide food at an event
When you do not need a permit
You do not need this permit if you are a food shelf operating in a permanent location.
You need a food shelf license instead.
Application and fee
Application
Community food distributions in Minneapolis must have a permit.
Submit your application
Submit your application to the Environmental Health Division
If you have questions, contact Environmental Health
Requirements
Food safety
You are responsible for food safety. This includes control of food from preparation to serving customers.
See City and State food safety resources:
Record some employee illnesses:
Follow City and State regulations:
Green To Go
Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food.
Food and beverages prepared to be:
- Eaten immediately off-site or
- Taken to-go
Must be in containers that are:
- Reusable
- Recyclable or
- Compostable
More information
Inspection
Your food handling methods determine how often the City will inspect your business.
Disclaimer
The information on this page should serve as a guideline only.
Request accessible format
If you need help with this information, please email 3 1 1, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.
Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Contact us
Environmental Health
Minneapolis Health Department
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Business Licenses & Consumer Services
Phone
612-673-2080
Fax
612-673-3399
Address
Public Service Building505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Office hours
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday – Thursday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday