The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity said on Oct. 16, 2026 that applications are open for new raw-to-cooked carts through its Sidewalk Vending Cart Program; the expansion adds 30 carts and raises the program total to 341 carts available to permitted vendors in LA County and LA City.
Carts are provided at no cost to qualified vendors after they complete program requirements and obtain applicable permits; all menus and food operations must be approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A small grant is jointly available to awardees to subsidize permitting and operating costs, and cart and grant availability is limited while supplies last.
Food vendors in unincorporated LA County who are conditionally awarded an eligible cart model other than the raw-to-cooked design will be screened for a $5,000 grant to cover operational costs and permitting fees, including acquiring a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate and a Compact Mobile Food Operator health permit, commissary space and equipment. Merchandise vendors selling goods only in unincorporated areas can apply for technical assistance and a grant of up to $500; applicants must complete screening, documentation and a grant agreement before receiving funds.
DEO said it is partnering with Inclusive Action for the City to provide one-on-one assistance to applicants; services include help with food handler training, a 75% CMFO permit subsidy through DEO, locating commissary space or applying for the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation permit through the Department of Public Health.
The program serves current sidewalk vendors operating in unincorporated LA County who have been in operation for at least 12 months at the time of application; applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in LA County, be the sole owner of their sidewalk vending business and have gross annual household income of $75,000 or less. Each household is eligible to receive only one cart.
Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor said, "This is how we streamline County permitting while creating opportunities for our sidewalk vendors to become part of the formal economy of Los Angeles County." Second District Supervisor said, "Until today, vendors who cook from raw ingredients couldn’t get a health permit because there was no approved cart for them to use. This new cart fixes that." Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO, said, "By connecting equipment, financial assistance and hands-on guidance, DEO and its partners are helping entrepreneurs take the steps needed to operate safely, meet requirements and grow their businesses."
Food vendors can review eligibility and apply at opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts; merchandise vendors can apply at opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-mobility-fund. The county warned that cart inventory and grant funding are strictly limited and distributed while supplies last.
Local
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Local
Holly J. Mitchell
Supervisor, Second District, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
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