Temporary Food Service
Serve food to the public at fairs, farmers markets, local events, and pop-ups on a temporary basis.
- Questions about temporary food service?
- Contact your local Environmental Health Officer.
On This Page
What is Temporary Food Service?
All operations selling food to the public in Alaska must be permitted prior to operating unless they qualify for a food code exemption or are operating under the state's homemade food exemption.
The Alaska Food Code defines an operation as temporary food service if the operation is selling food to the public and meets one of the following criteria:
- The food service operates at one location in conjunction with a single event for no more than 21 consecutive days; or
- The food service operates at the same location no more than two days in any week and over the course of 120 days or less.
A permit is required prior to the operation of any temporary food service.
Requirements for Operating Temporary Food Service
Please review the Operating Temporary Food Service webpage for information about requirements and considerations when serving food at events.
If a permit is for four days or longer, the operator is required to have an Alaska Food Worker Card or food protection manager certification.
Permitting and Fees
Note to operations serving food in the Municipality of Anchorage: The State does not permit temporary food service within the Municipality of Anchorage. If the address where food will be served is within the limits of the Municipality of Anchorage, the operator must apply for a temporary food service permit from the Anchorage Health Department's Food Safety and Sanitation program.
Temporary food service permits are only valid for the food service operation named on the permit and the location, dates, and approved foods listed on the permit.
Food Service at an Event
- Description: Food service is part of an event that
- Has been organized for a special purpose;
- Has a definite time limit; and
- Usually includes activities other than selling food (but not always)
- Number of Locations: One location; the food service can only operate at the location on the permit
- Permit Option A
- Number of Days Allowed in One Week: Not limited
- Total Number of Days Allowed on the Permit: Up to 21 consecutive days
- Permit Option B
- Number of Days Allowed in One Week: Limited to one or two days in a single week
- Total Number of Days Allowed on the Permit: Up to 28 days over the course of about four months (120 days)
Food Service at Another Location
- Description: Food service is not part of a defined event; this is usually a pop-up location or similar set-up
- Number of Locations: One location; the food service can only operate at the location on the permit
- Number of Days Allowed in One Week: Limited to one or two days in a single week
- Total Number of Days Allowed on the Permit: Up to 28 days over the course of about four months (120 days)
Fees and Deadlines
Permit fees for temporary food service are determined by the permit length. Applications that are not submitted by the appropriate deadline (shown in the table below) will owe a late fee.
Churches and 501(c)(3) groups are fee-exempt for temporary food service permitting, however, churches and 501(c)(3) groups may owe a late fee if the application is not received by the deadline.
Schools are exempt from permit fees and late fees. This includes fundraisers, promotional events, or other gatherings that are open or advertised to the public and sponsored by the school, a school class, or a school club.
| Permit Length | Permit Fee | Permit Application Deadline | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $35 | At least 7 days prior to the event start date | Permit fee is doubled |
| 2-3 days | $65 | At least 7 days prior to the event start date | Permit fee is doubled |
| 4-7 days | $90 | At least 7 days prior to the event start date | Permit fee is doubled |
| 8-28 days | $120 | At least 15 days prior to the event start date | Permit fee is doubled |
Activities That Do Not Require a Permit
Some food sales at temporary events may not require a permit, but a permit is required if the operation sells any product that requires permitting.
Examples of activities that do not require a permit include:
- Homemade food (Visit Homemade Food to learn more)
- This only applies to food made at a home or commercial kitchen under the homemade food exemption; if food is prepared on-site at the temporary event, a temporary food service permit is required
- Raw agricultural products
- Operations at events lasting one day or less where the foods served:
- Are pre-cooked, packaged, ready-to-eat, or commercially-processed; and
- Require only limited preparation and handling (e.g., a one-day event where the operator is reheating hotdogs on a grill)
Applying for a Temporary Food Service Permit
Apply Now
Access and complete the Temporary Food Service Permit Application. Once an application is received, staff from the Food Safety and Sanitation program will follow-up to ask questions about the food service operation (if needed) and to collect payment.
The temporary food service permit will be issued after the application is approved and payment is received.
Temporary food service may not operate until the permit is issued.
Temporary food service permits are only valid for one food operation at a single event. Each operation requires an individual permit for every event.
If you have any questions about applying for a permit, please contact your local Environmental Health Officer.
Regulatory References
- 18 AAC 31 Alaska Food Code
- 18 AAC 31.600 Temporary Food Service
- 18 AAC 31.012 Alaska Food Code Exemptions
Resources and Contacts
Resources
- Operating Temporary Food Service
- Information about operating temporary food service in Alaska
- Temperature Controls
- Guidelines for controlling temperatures to maintain the quality and safety of food products
Contacts
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Find your local Environmental Health Officer
Indicates an external site.