If you are serving food to the public, you need to take steps to make sure the food is safe to eat and waste is properly disposed. The City requires an Outdoor Public Serving of Food Safety Permit so Philadelphians who are hungry can get safe, nutritious food and to prevent trash from attracting vermin.
Who
Any individuals or organizations interested in providing free food to Philadelphians in need.
If you are selling food, see permits and processes for food businesses.
Requirements
To make sure the food you serve is safe, you must agree to the following when you apply for an Outdoor Public Serving of Food Safety Permit:
- Someone who has attended a certified food safety course will be in charge and on site during the entire time food is distributed.
- No touching ready-to-eat foods with bare hands.
- A temporary hand washing station will be available.
- Proper handwashing before anyone handles food and between glove changes.
- If all food served is prepackaged, hand wipes should be used.
- All foods will be completely protected from contamination during transportation, preparation, display, and service. This includes:
- Transporting and serving food at the proper temperature.
- Preparing food in an approved kitchen if it is served more than four hours after preparation starts. If the food is served within four hours, it can be made in a private kitchen. The permit application lists requirements for any facility where food is prepared.
- Food is not self-service. You and your organization need to serve the food to the people receiving it.
- All trash must be removed from the site. Waste needs to be disposed of properly by the person or group serving food immediately following the event.
- Your Outdoor Public Serving Food Safety Permit must be posted prominently at the place where you are serving food, for the whole time you are serving.
Cost
There is no fee for this permit.
How
Fill out the Outdoor Public Serving of Food Safety Permit form.
You must include:
- Contact information for your organization.
- Where and when you plan to distribute food.
- Where you will prepare your food, and whether it will be served hot or cold.
Submit the completed form and a copy of your food safety training certificate by email or mail.
By email
Email tawanna.johns@phila.gov with the subject line “Outdoor Public Serving of Food Permit Application.”
By mail
Tawanna Johns, Administrative Officer
Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services
7801 Essington Ave., 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19153