Yakima Food Vendors: Have Your Say in Shaping Future Food Permit Fees

The Yakima Health District is inviting local food operators in Yakima County to get involved in upcoming discussion sessions aimed at reviewing and updating food permit fees.

TALK SESSIONS TO LEARN MORE INFORMATION

The sessions give food operators like temporary food vendors, food establishments, mobile food trucks, catering businesses, and other stakeholders a chance to learn more about the current fee structure and share their feedback about the system.

READ MORE: CHANGES TO THE STATE'S TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM

TWO DIFFERENT TALKING SESSIONS

The first session will be held on April 6, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Union Gap School, located at 3201 4th Street in Union Gap. The second session is scheduled for April 13 at Gusto Casa Mia, 200 N 1st Street in Sunnyside also from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The Yakima Health District officials say the review of food permit fees is "essential to maintaining consistent, reliable services that support local businesses and the community."

PERMIT FEES PLAY A BIG ROLE IN REGULATIONS

Officials from the Yakima Health District say permit fees fund critical activities such as health inspections, technical assistance, permitting, and public health responses.  They say input from local food operators will play a vital role in guiding any potential updates to the fee structure, making sure it remains fair and sustainable for everyone involved in the process.

HEALTH OFFICIALS DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM OF UNLICENSED VENDORS IN 2025

City officials last year worked closely with the health district to deal with a rash of unlicensed food vendors operating illegally in Yakima. A strategy was developed by the City and other agencies (such as the Yakima Health District, etc.). Enforcement actions helped to curb the problem last year.
The city of Selah last year enacted an emergency ordinance that toughens fines against vendors operating illegally even to the point of confiscating vehicles and equipment.