As part of National Public Health Week, Los Angeles County officials Thursday hosted an event at Ted Watkins Park in the Florence-Firestone area aimed at helping residents start or expand small food businesses through programs designed to reduce barriers.
The event, organized by the county Department of Public Health in partnership with the Department of Economic Opportunity and county Supervisor Holly Mitchell, offered hands-on assistance to aspiring food entrepreneurs, including help with applications, fee subsidy information and direct access to county experts, according to organizers.
Officials highlighted the county’s Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations program, which allows residents to legally operate small-scale food businesses from their home kitchens, and the Compact Mobile Food Operation program, which supports sidewalk vending and mobile food businesses.
“In the Second District, we know that economic opportunity and public health go hand in hand,” Mitchell said in a statement.
“Through our home kitchen and mobile vending programs, residents can now legally and safely turn their culinary skills into a real business,” she added.
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the programs are designed to provide residents with the tools, information and education needed to safely launch and grow food businesses while protecting community health.
“Too often, individuals with the drive to build a business face barriers that limit their ability to be part of the local business community in a safe and compliant way,” Ferrer said.
County officials said more than 500 applications have been submitted for the home kitchen program, with 319 permits issued as of April.
The event also featured demonstrations of mobile food carts, including one that was given away to a participant to help launch a business.
Officials said the programs aim to address longstanding barriers such as high startup costs and regulatory hurdles while helping ensure food safety and reduce the risk of illness.
Thursday’s event was part of Public Health Week 2026, themed “Ready. Set. Action.,” which highlights the importance of improving community health and well-being.
More information can be found at ph.lacounty.gov/phweek/.