California county investing $2.8 Million to give away sidewalk vending carts

CALIFORNIA – Los Angeles County launched the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program on January 12 in partnership with the City of Los Angeles.

The initiative provides $2.8 million for more than 280 free, health-code-compliant food carts to eligible vendors across the county and city.

The program helps vendors comply with new legal requirements, overcome financial barriers, and operate safely in their communities.

Los Angeles County Board Chair Hilda L. Solis said many vendors are navigating difficult and uncertain times due to federal immigration actions.

“This is more than a program — this is a chance to support small business growth, economic stability, and even generational wealth,” Solis said.

Supporting low-income entrepreneurs

The cart giveaway is part of Los Angeles County’s effort to support low-income entrepreneurs and promote economic inclusion.

Following state laws creating new sidewalk vending permits, the county implemented its own Sidewalk Vending Ordinance in August 2024.

The ordinance requires sidewalk vendors to register and food vendors to secure a Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) permit in unincorporated areas.

These changes opened a clear path to legal vending but added costs and permit requirements many vendors cannot afford alone.

To help vendors, the Board of Supervisors approved fee waivers and subsidies, including a reduced Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC) fee, a 75% CMFO permit subsidy, and grants of up to $5,000 to cover other permitting costs.

Eligibility

The Sidewalk Vending Cart Program builds on this effort by providing fully compliant vending carts at no cost to eligible vendors who complete the permitting process.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Los Angeles County, be self-employed sidewalk vendors earning under $75,000 annually, operate in unincorporated LA County or the City of Los Angeles, and agree to comply with all public health and safety rules.

Vendors will receive a cart only after securing all required permits, including a CMFO certificate, an SVRC, and any applicable local vending permit.

Carts will be distributed as they are manufactured. Applications are open and reviewed monthly for eligibility and cart type, with priority given to vendors who are compliance-ready and located in high- and highest-need areas identified by the County’s Equity Explorer Map.

Final selections will be made by lottery.

For more information, visit https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts/