Temporary Food Establishments

Temporary food establishments refer to operations at a fixed location in conjunction with an approved special event or celebration such as a fair, festival, or an organized recurring event such as a Farmer's Market. The distinguishing feature of temporary food establishments is that they operate for a short period of time either indoors or outdoors with limited physical and sanitary facilities available. As such, operations at temporary food establishments may be considered high risk and require the use of an approved commissary kitchen for the advance preparation of foods.


Please see the Guidance Manual below and Island County Food Code for additional information related to temporary food establishments.

 

To begin the process of obtaining a temporary food establishment please see the documents below.


To apply for an exemptions please see the application below

Permit Exemption Application 

 


Farmers Markets

Organized farmers markets are considered temporary food establishments that operate on a recurring basis. Food vendors at farmers markets may be able to operate under a permit obtained by the organizer of the farmers market or with a permit issued directly to the food vendor. Island County works closely with organizers to screen all food vendors to determine if a permit is required or if an exemption may exist that allows operations. Please see the farmers market permit matrix for additional details on permit types.

To begin the process of obtaining a farmers market permit please see the documents below.

Farmers Market Permit Matrix

Farmers Market Application

Temporary Food Establishment Checklist

Commissary Agreement Form


E-mail foodsafety@islandcountywa.gov with questions or to request a pre-application conference.