Selling Prepared Food at a Farmers Market

Thousands of farmers market vendors make money selling prepared food at farmers markets. Even with the farmers market stall cost and any farmers market vendor fees, there is huge profit to be made selling unique, tasty prepared foods under your own e-commerce label. It’s even easier since there is e-commerce software to help keep track of farmers market fees such as the cost of the farmers market stand, and so on.

Of course, selling prepared food at farmers markets comes with its own set of rules. You may need to consider extra costs such as a temporary food facility permit or a farmers market booth rental cost, depending upon where you sell and how often you sell. There are also other considerations, such as food safety and food handling safety training for all of the people on your team.

Apart from individual requirements according to which state you are going to sell in and which farmers market you are planning to sell at, you will also want to consider general business insurance, which can help to cover you in terms of liability. This is something that every business owner has, and as a vendor selling prepared food at a farmers market, you are technically a business, even if you don’t have a legal entity set up.

Speaking of legal entities, you may want to consider forming one for your farmers market prepared food business. A legal entity such as an LLC provides an extra layer of protection between your personal assets and your business assets.

Commercial Kitchen Needs

Some states, like California, will require that prepared foods be made in a commercial kitchen. This is to protect the consumer. A commercial kitchen is one that is used to make food for sale, such as in a restaurant. The kitchen itself will have a license from the health department, too. If you happen to work in a restaurant, you could ask for permission to make your product there. Otherwise, you can look online for commercial kitchens for lease. There are many commercial kitchens that are for people just like you, looking to earn money from e-commerce online and at local farmers markets to sell prepared foods.

Largely due to the temperate climate and long growing seasons, California, Texas and Florida are popular states for those wishing to sell prepared food at farmers market. Here are the details of what you need to know for these three states.

How to Sell at a Farmers Market in California

In California, prepared foods must undergo jury approval. Not only will your food be inspected for safety, but the packaging will be scrutinized as well. All prepared foods for sale that are non-agricultural are required to be made in a certified commercial kitchen. You can rent time in commercial kitchens in California if you don’t have other access to one. All of your workers must be trained in a food safety handling plan. To be accepted to sell at a farmers market in California, you must submit an application that includes all of the above information as well as some other information. If you are accepted to sell at a farmers market in California, you will then need to obtain a health permit from the state.

How to Sell at a Farmers Market in Texas

As in California, prepared foods must be submitted for jury approval before acceptance to sell at a farmers market in Texas is granted. The label of the product must adhere to Texas labeling laws, as well as have the contact information for the vendor. A Class A food handling permit is required for closed packaging, prepared foods. An application must be sent in with a fee, and the approved permit must be picked up in person.

How to Sell at a Farmers Market in Florida

Selling food at farmers market Florida is a little bit different than some other states. Each farmers market operates independently and sets up its own rules for farmers market vendors to follow. The best course of action is to contact the market where you’d like to sell and ask them about their farmers market rules for vendors. Everyone is different, but you can expect some kind of permitting requirement, such as from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You should also be prepared with a sample of the product you wish to sell.

Finally, make sure that your farmers market endeavor is set up for profitability by using great e-commerce software that can help you manage your costs and control your budget. Selling prepared foods at a farmers market is a very good business model with a high chance of success!