Cultiva La Salud Helps Fresno’s Mobile Food Vendors Get Certified

In Fresno, street food is a reflection of culture, tradition, and community. Thanks to funding from the F3 Initiative, Cultiva La Salud is helping local mobile food vendors get the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed through its mobile food vendor support services.

The goal is to support local vendors in navigating the complicated permitting process so they can safely grow their businesses and share cultural foods with their communities. Cultiva’s hands-on program walks vendors through every step—from getting their food safety certifications to securing commissary kitchens, filling out required documents, and passing Environmental Health inspections.

“At Cultiva La Salud, we believe our vendors are the heart of the community. That’s why we offer hands-on programs and services to help them stay safe, grow their businesses, and share their cultural foods with Fresno." - Genoveva Islas, Cultiva La Salud

The process to become a certified Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) involves:

• Earning a food safety certification (offered monthly for free in English and Spanish, with unlimited retakes)

• Finding a commissary kitchen to operate out of and store equipment

• Making cart modifications to meet health standards

• Completing operational forms and inspection documents

• Passing a health inspection to receive a permit

Cultiva also provides 1:1 assistance in Spanish or English, from interpreting documents to preparing menus and cart blueprints. Financial aid is available for first-time vendors in the City of Fresno who need help covering the inspection fee.

Under this current grant, 12 vendors have received permits so far with six more in progress. There’s no formal application process - just reach out, and Cultiva’s team will help meet vendors wherever they are in their journey.

In addition to the program's certification assistance, it also helps create a pipeline to local agriculture by sourcing fresh local produce from small farmers, as well as encourages healthier menus for mobile food businesses. This program reflects the heart of the F3 Initiative’s mission: to create a more inclusive and sustainable food economy by supporting the people already doing the work. Thank you to Cultiva La Salud for empowering Fresno’s mobile food vendors to thrive, serve their communities, and preserve their culinary heritage.

Click here to learn more about Cultiva's support programs for local food vendors or contact:

Angélica Ortega

📧 angelica@cultivalasalud.org

📞 (559) 212-4233