Los Angeles County is launching a new program to provide **Free Vending Carts** to street vendors. This initiative aims to support small businesses and improve food safety, marking a significant step in providing valuable street vendor support. The program is called the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program and will distribute over 280 health-code compliant carts at no cost, with a focus on equitable economic opportunity. The program officially began on January 19, 2026.
Program Details and Goals: Offering Free Vending Carts
The county’s Department of Economic Opportunity is managing the program, partnering with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department. The initiative invests $2.8 million, targeting eligible vendors operating in unincorporated areas and within the City of Los Angeles. These **Free Vending Carts** are designed to help vendors operate legally and safely, meeting all state and local health regulations. This crucial street vendor support comes after new state requirements and the county’s own Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, which went into effect in August 2024. That ordinance set legal guidelines, including permits like the Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO) permit. The new requirements often introduced significant costs, which many vendors found difficult to afford, making the availability of free vending carts a major relief.
Support for Vendors Through Free Vending Carts
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis highlighted the program’s importance, noting that vendors face challenging times but are essential to Los Angeles County’s economy and culture. This program offers more than just equipment; it provides a chance for growth, promotes economic stability, and aims for generational wealth. The **Free Vending Carts** remove significant financial barriers, helping vendors transition to formal operations. Several types of carts are available, including units for hot-holding, cold-holding, cut fruit, and integrated grills. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and other local and federal funds, demonstrating a commitment to providing small business aid.
Eligibility and Application for Free Vending Carts
Vendors must meet specific criteria to qualify for the **Free Vending Carts**. They must be at least 18 years old, live in Los Angeles County, and be self-employed with annual vending income under $75,000. Vendors must operate within unincorporated LA County or the City of Los Angeles and demonstrate a commitment to vendor compliance. Applicants will receive carts only after securing necessary permits, including the CMFO certificate and local permits. Applications opened on January 12, 2026, and remain open while supplies last. The selection process includes monthly reviews, prioritizing those ready for compliance and vendors in high-need areas. A lottery system may select remaining applicants for these invaluable free vending carts.
West Hollywood’s Exclusion from Free Vending Carts
The city of West Hollywood is not eligible for this program of free vending carts. As an independent city, it does not fall under unincorporated county areas and is separate from the City of Los Angeles. West Hollywood has its own vending rules, including requiring a Sidewalk Vendor Business License and LA County Department of Public Health approval. Vendors in West Hollywood must follow specific local regulations, preventing them from participating in this particular free vending carts initiative. Vendors outside the eligible areas are encouraged to contact their local governments for potential similar support programs.
Broader Context for Street Vending and Free Vending Carts
This new program providing **Free Vending Carts** is part of a larger trend in Los Angeles to regulate street vending. Previous efforts included decriminalizing vending through laws like SB 946 and SB 972, which aimed to simplify permitting and remove criminal penalties. Past initiatives faced delays; for example, a 2021 program to distribute 200 carts had no carts built nearly two years later. This current effort, focused on timely delivery of free vending carts, is a significant step in supporting low-income entrepreneurs and strengthening economic inclusion. Vendors are vital to Los Angeles, and this program helps them thrive by offering essential small business aid and fostering economic opportunity through the provision of free vending carts.
