San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has received a state grant to waive permit fees for individuals interested in operating a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO). These home kitchens function as small-scale restaurants, allowing operators to start businesses without the financial burden of traditional restaurant infrastructure.
Roya Bagheri, Esq., Executive Director of the COOK Alliance, emphasized the impact of this initiative: "There are so many people that have been able to enter the food industry and fulfill lifelong dreams about business ownership and provide food to the community that previously were unable to."
The program provides fee waivers for existing MEHKO permits at renewal and allocates remaining funds towards new permits. Waivers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out or by May 2025. Since its inception, 31 new MEHKO permits have been issued with 70% of available funds used for offsetting these fees.
This initiative aims to promote equitable access to self-employment opportunities by reducing startup costs for underrepresented groups such as women, immigrants, and people of color. Prospective MEHKO operators must submit several documents including a Health Permit Application and Food Safety Manager Certificate.
DEHQ is responsible for overseeing the program, ensuring compliance through inspections and permitting. Resources are available on their website for those interested in participating in the MEHKOs program.
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