Temporary Food Establishments (TFE)

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

TFE

The Health Department provides inspections for food vendors at festivals and gatherings as the State Law requires that all food vendors obtain a temporary food service permit. The food vendors are inspected for the requirements needed to protect the public from food-borne illness.

Exceptions from this type of permit and inspection include events that are fundraisers and tax exempt organizations.

Event Organizers- We ask that event organizer submit an event organizer application

Please contact our office with any questions concerning food permit requirements.

Do you have questions for our Food and Lodging Program staff? Did you know that we offer in-office and phone consultations every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 am. No appointment necessary. Just give us a call at 919.542.8208 or come by the Environmental Health office located at 80 East Street, Pittsboro, NC.

For more information, contact: Shvaughn Ross, FLI Program Specialist 919.545.8442 shvaughn.ross@chathamcountync.gov

Click here for TFE Flow Chart

Hosting an event? Don't forget to complete the Special Event Notification form with Central Permitting.

EVENT ORGANIZER INFORMATION

Event Organizer Application
Template: Booth Layout
Template: Food Vendor List
List of Approved Mobile Food Units and Food Vendors for Chatham County as of April 28, 2026

We ask that event organizers submit The Event Organizer application and supporting documents 60-90 days prior to the event. The early submission allows food vendors opportunity to meet food permit application deadlines. Food vendors must apply 15 days prior to the event to qualify for a Temporary Food Permit.

Cost for each temporary food service permit is $75.00

New - Online Application and Payment Portal for Environmental Health

Event Organizer should submit a, "Chatham County Special Event Notification"

Temporary Food Vendor Applications

EXEMPTIONS

Non-profit food vendors are exempt due to the 501C3 tax exemption status such as
churches, civic and political organizations

Proof of this status is required. Proof of status may include a copy of the 501C3 Letter of Determination or a letter from the organization stating that 100% of food sale proceeds will go back to the non-profit organization.

Non-profit groups are allowed by NC General Statutes to prepare and sell food for up to 2 consecutive days per month without regulation.

Complete New -Verification of Food Sales Form or using QR code below

For additional information on food safety for Community Meals, go to NCSU Safe Plates during Community Events.

FOOD ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PERMIT

Individually packaged foods prepared at a restaurant

Permitted Mobile Food Trucks

Mobile food trucks that hold a foodservice permit and return to the commissary daily are exempt from a temporary food regulations.

Per Rule 2670, Mobile food trucks must notify the operational county of their operational locations and dates. To comply with this RULE, food trucks reporting to Chatham County must complete the Verification of Food Sales form annually.

Once approved for the year, the food truck will be added to Chatham County Approved food vendors list for that year.

Permitted Mobile food truck vendors must complete the New- Mobile Food Unit Verification or using QR code below. Documentation of the most current foodservice inspection report must be on submitted.