“Temporary food establishment” means a food establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. This includes a booth where food is purchased from another food establishment (subs, pizza, etc.) for resale. 4-H events where food is served that may be considered temporary food establishments include 4-H awards banquets, lunch served at winter forums and other workshops and food booths operated at fairs and horse shows.
Local Boards of Health develop their own set of regulations in accordance with state and federal codes. Each town has a different set of rules. So, any group preparing and/or selling food needs to contact their local Board of Health prior to the activity to determine if a permit is needed. Once the date and location of the event has been determined the 4-H volunteer must check with the Board of Health in the town where the food booth will be located to determine what food permits are required (if any) and obtain those permits.
At least one ServSafe certified volunteer is required to be present at the food booth during its operation. Information about certification and recertification is available at this link. You may search for a class in your area by going to this link. Testing is available online or at some of the classes. Check with your local community colleges for courses as well.
The Massachusetts 4-H Program is committed to getting 4-H volunteers the certification they need and will pay half the registration cost – the form to apply for partial reimbursement is available at this link (click on Volunteer Application to Support Training Sessions). This funding comes through the generous support of the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation but is administered by the 4-H Director (so do not contact the 4-H Foundation directly). Your county 4-H Advisory Council may offer a scholarship for the remaining cost so be sure to contact your local 4-H Educator to inquire.
For more information, please refer to the MA Minimum Sanitation Standards and Temporary Food Establishment Operations, available on the 4-H website.