By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday provided support to local small food businesses facing economic hardship as part of a $2.8 million COVID-19 aid package.
The package includes new emergency support for small food businesses such as food truck operators and other businesses affected by the pandemic.
The Board also launched a pilot program for home-based chefs to prepare food in their own kitchens to sell directly to consumers.
It should be noted that this is the first time the county has specifically targeted assistance to "micro food business" operators.
"What we are doing today provides new economic opportunities for those who need them most, including women, immigrants, and people of color," said Board Chairman David J. Canepa.
He also assured that "this modest investment will make a difference for the hard-working families who happen to be excellent cooks and at the same time stimulate the local economy".
The food service industry was hard hit by the pandemic's confinement, which meant a death sentence for many small business owners.
"Supporting San Mateo businesses like food trucks and carts, and incubator kitchens are a means for entrepreneurs to create lasting businesses," Supervisor Dave Pine said. "Helping these small businesses will benefit our local economy now and in the future."
Thus, the supervisors approved three grant programs, one open to any eligible small business and two targeted to the food service industry.
First, the Board launched the Micro Food Enterprise Grant Program, which will distribute a total of $500,000 in grants to cottage food operators, caterers, food truck and food cart operators, commissary or incubator kitchens.
Applicants must have a small food service business legally operating in San Mateo County by January 1, 2021 and meet the requirements. Businesses that received assistance from previous programs are not eligible.
In addition, the Board approved the establishment of the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operator Ordinance, the Pilot Program and the Grant Program with $238,000 in seed money.
Within the framework of the pilot programmeIn California, home chefs may legally prepare and sell limited amounts of food directly to consumers. The county is one of the few jurisdictions in California that allows home kitchens for microbusinesses.
Meanwhile, chefs who receive operating permits from the county's Environmental Health Services division will be able to apply for grants of up to $2,500 each.
Finally, the Board appropriated $2 million for the 2021 SMC Strong Small Business Assistance Program, which provides a new round of funding for local small businesses impacted by the pandemic that did not receive previous county, state or federal assistance.
In that regard, applicants must meet certain requirements for grants of up to $10,000 that can be used for past-due rent, operating expenses, and other needs.
Funding for all three programs will come from the federal American Rescue Plan or other state or federal aid programs.
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