びびなび : ロサンゼルス : (アメリカ合衆国) Los Angeles

News Release


*For Immediate Release:*

April 9, 2026

 

*Public Health Week Event Connects Los Angeles County Residents with Resources to Launch Small Food Businesses

*

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in partnership with the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, hosted a one-stop resource event today at Ted Watkins Park to support residents interested in starting or expanding small food businesses through the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) and Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) programs.

Held as a part of National Public Health Week, the event provided hands-on assistance to aspiring food entrepreneurs, including application support, fee subsidy information, and direct access to County experts. Workshops were offered in English and Spanish, with additional translation services available to increase accessibility for participants.

The MEHKO program, authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2024, allows residents to legally operate small-scale food businesses from their home kitchens. The program is designed to expand economic opportunity while promoting safe food handling practices and protecting public health.

“In the Second District, we know that economic opportunity and public health go hand in hand. Too many talented food entrepreneurs have been locked out of the formal economy by high costs and red tape. That changes today,” said *Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.* “Through our home kitchen and mobile vending programs, residents can now legally and safely turn their culinary skills into a real business. This is what Public Health Week is all about: taking action, investing in our communities, and making sure everyone has a fair shot at building something of their own.”

“Ensuring that residents have access to the tools, information, and support needed to start and grow their own food businesses is an important part of advancing community health,” said *Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public 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. Through programs like MEHKO, the County is creating clear pathways for people to operate safely and legally, while providing education on proper food handling and safe practices that help prevent illness and protect the public. This work both supports economic opportunity and strengthens the health and safety of our communities.”

As part of the event, the Department of Economic Opportunity showcased Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) carts, providing attendees with a firsthand look at equipment available to support compliant sidewalk vending and mobile food businesses. One cart was provided to a participant through a County-supported giveaway, further expanding access to the tools needed to launch and sustain a small food business.

"Small food businesses are an entry point to entrepreneurship and economic mobility for many of our residents,” said *Kelly LoBianco, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity.* “Through programs like MEHKO and DEO’s Sidewalk Vending Program, we are bringing resources, technical assistance, and equipment directly into communities to help individuals launch compliant businesses built for long-term success.”

Los Angeles County is home to more than 10 million residents and one of the most diverse populations in the nation. However, economic disparities continue to impact many communities, particularly communities of color. Historically, high startup costs and regulatory barriers have made it difficult for small and home-based food entrepreneurs to operate legally.

Public Health’s Environmental Health Division has worked to reduce these barriers by providing education, technical assistance, and financial support. To date, the County has conducted dozens of MEHKO workshops and received more than 500 applications, resulting in 319 permits issued as of April 2026.

In addition to supporting small business development, the program plays a critical role in protecting community health. Foodborne illness remains a significant public health issue, affecting an estimated 48 million people in the United States each year. By bringing operators into a regulated system, the County can help ensure safer food practices and reduce the risk of illness.

The April 9 event is part of Public Health Week 2026, themed “Ready. Set. Action.,” which highlights the importance of taking steps to improve community health and wellbeing. Through partnerships with County departments and community organizations, Public Health continues to expand access to resources that support both economic stability and health.

For more information about the MEHKO program, visit ph.lacounty.gov/mehko [ http://ph.lacounty.gov/mehko?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ].

For more information about National Public Health Week and event details, visit: http://ph.lacounty.gov/phweek/ [ http://ph.lacounty.gov/phweek/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]


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"*The Los Angeles County Departmen**t of Public Health* "

"The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises of more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion."

 

"Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health, 
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