 On June 10th, Long Beach City Council heard a report from the Department of Health and Human Services detailing their research on the feasibility of the Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Permits that could be adopted through a local ordinance. In the report, Environmental Health director Judeth Luong detailed their findings, which signaled strong interest from a variety of local stakeholders. The presentation also addressed potential concerns and barriers that came up as they spoke with health regulators from other municipalities, members of the public, aspiring food entrepreneurs, and other city departments. When pressed on their capacity to follow through on the program by councilmembers, Luong assured them that they are well into the process of preparing a program, and could have permit applications available as soon as January 2026. In approving the report, the City also moved forward on implementing recommendations to revise the Long Beach Municipal code to clear the way for MEHKOs, and indicated that an ordinance could be brought back to council, and then return to council for the mandatory "second reading," later this summer. Speaking up for chefs in the community, "Chef T" Visoth Ouk reminded those in attendance that "Food is love," and has the ability to transcend class and race divisions in society - and community advocates from many different walks of life argued the cultural benefits, the economic need, and the gap that exists between their dreams and a marketable business concept. Paxcely Marquez, a CSULB graduate and District 4 resident, remarked that her and her spouse's dream of bringing Moroccan food to market, while carefully and slowly testing their recipes and growing their client base, was best suited to a MEHKO permit program. Angelica, who coordinates the Vendor Justice Committee, reminded council that MEHKOs can also reduce barriers to entry for sidewalk vendors who lack access to commercial kitchens. The coalition urged council to find ways to offset fees, which were estimated to be under $1000, not counting yet to be determined business license fees. Potential MEHKOs will likely lose the opportunity to receive $3000 grants this year through the COOK Alliance's cohort and class, which requires an active program from their local health department. Luong mentioned that LBDHHS will continue to seek statewide Public Health funds in hopes they can be directed toward hopeful entrepreneurs. Aspiring vendors participating in local immigrant rights organization ORALE's programs shared similar concerns and hopes for the program, adding that it's important to be proactive in creating opportunities for immigrant communities to earn income in an increasingly threatening landscape. Visit Youtube for full video of the agenda item! MEHKO's have been up and running in Los Angeles County, with more than 100 businesses listed on the County's website. Since Long Beach is a City with its own health department, it requires a local ordinance and program in order to opt into the new concept, which was added to the State of California retail code in 2019. 
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AuthorTony Damico is co-Director of Long Beach Fresh ArchivesCategories |
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