Environmental Management

Please read the latest guidance on non-profit charitable feeding operations and registration requirements.

Non-profit Charitable Feeding Operations Handout - FAQ-Public​​

As many in the community seek to participate in efforts aimed at assisting those experiencing homelessness, the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department often receives inquiries regarding charitable foodservice for the homeless. Read the Guidance for Safe Food​ Distribution flyer​and Charitable Feeding Operations Checklist for best management practices. 

Please note that experts in the field of ending homelessness call attention to some of the inadvertent issues associated with public feedings and other "giveaways" that are not coordinated through an established charitable foodservice organization:

• Public Feedings are typically not regulated, and can lead to substantial public health risks to those being fed and can often create unsanitary conditions in public places
• They separate critical services from food; this can be a disincentive to visit organizations that provide services that can end homelessness.
  

The Limited Service Charitable Feeding Operations Registration must be submitted and fee paid (annual fee $200) prior to opening and operating. To apply complete the application and provide proof of ​documents below:

• ​Permit Application​
  
• Menu Review Form
  
• Proof of non-profit status
  

To help people experiencing homelessness, please see the resources listed below. This is not an exhaustive list and was compiled for information only:

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• Cottage Housing: https://cottagehousing.org/volunteer
• Sacramento Steps Forward: http://sacramentostepsforward.​​​​​​org/get​​-involved/volunteer/
  
• Hope Cooperative (aka TLCS): https://hopecoop.org/volunteer/​
• Loaves and Fishes: http://www.sacloaves.org/to-volunteer/
  
• Lutheran Social Services: http://www.lssnorcal.org/get-involved/volunteer.html​
• Mercy Housing: https://www.mercyhousing.org/volunteer
• Mutual Housing California: https://www.mutualhousing.com/contactus​
  
• Next Move: https://www.nextmovesacramento.org/volunteer/
• ​​Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/volunteer​
  
• St. John's Program for Real Change: http://saintjohnsprogram.org/make-a-difference/
• Tubman House: http://wakingthevillage.org/volunteer/
• Volunteers of America: Volunteer - VOA NCNN (voa-ncnn.org)​
• WEAVE: http://www.weaveinc.org/volunteer​
  
• Wind Youth Services: Volunteer | Wind Youth Services
  
• Women's Empowerment:​ https://womens-em​pow​erment.org/volunteer/