One thing before you can sell: a county permit
Every kitchen on ForkFork is verified against Santa Clara County’s list of permitted home food businesses — that’s exactly why buyers trust a stranger’s home kitchen here. The good news: getting permitted is a well-worn path, and we’ll help you through it.
Hot meals → MEHKO
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation permit lets you cook and sell real meals from your home kitchen. Expect roughly $700 in county fees, an inspection, and a few weeks start to finish.
County MEHKO application →Baked & shelf-stable → Cottage Food
Breads, pastries, jams, and other shelf-stable foods go through the simpler (and cheaper) Cottage Food Operator registration instead.
County cottage food registration →Tell us you’re on the way
Leave your details and we’ll personally help you through the process — and have your storefront ready the day your permit comes through. Our first kitchen is doing real holiday business right now; there’s room for yours.
Already have your permit? Apply to sell →