Business
LA County opens expanded vending-cart program and grants
The county opened applications for 30 new carts that let food vendors safely cook raw ingredients on site, plus limited grants and permitting help for eligible sidewalk businesses.
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity announced the expansion Friday. The 30 raw-to-cooked carts are part of a broader inventory of 341 carts available to permitted vendors in Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Qualified vendors can receive a cart at no cost after meeting program requirements and obtaining applicable permits.
The county said awardees for the new cart may also receive a small grant toward permitting and operating costs. Vendors in unincorporated communities who are conditionally awarded certain other food-cart models may be screened for a $5,000 grant, while qualifying merchandise-only vendors may apply for up to $500.
New raw-to-cooked carts: 30
Total cart inventory: 341
Cost to qualified recipients: No charge for the cart
Other food-vendor grants: $5,000 for certain eligible models in unincorporated areas
Merchandise-vendor grants: Up to $500
Application period: While limited supplies and funding last
Who can apply
The food and merchandise programs serve existing sidewalk vendors operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County who have been in business for at least 12 months. Applicants must be at least 18, live in the county, be the sole owner of the business and have annual household income of $75,000 or less. Additional requirements apply, and each household may receive one cart.
Inclusive Action for the City is providing one-on-one assistance with food-handler training, permitting, commissary arrangements and other business requirements. The county said all menus and food operations remain subject to Public Health approval.
Official announcement and applications: Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity — October 16, 2026 →