MEHKOs: A New Path for Food Entrepreneurs

Podcast Episode Description: MEHKOs: A New Path for Food Entrepreneurs This podcast episode will explore the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) Act (AB 626), a California law passed in 2018 that allows home cooks to legally sell most types of food directly to the public from their home kitchens.

• The episode will begin by discussing the background of MEHKOs, including the Cottage Food Law, which allowed home cooks to sell baked goods and shelf-stable items.
• It will highlight the need for MEHKOs, focusing on how they provide a more accessible path to entrepreneurship for underserved populations who face barriers to entry in the traditional food industry.
• The podcast will examine the benefits of MEHKOs:
  • Economic Empowerment: MEHKOs offer a low-cost entry point for aspiring food entrepreneurs. The average startup cost for a MEHKO is just over $1,000, compared to $400,000 for a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant.
  • Food Access: MEHKOs can increase access to fresh, healthy, and culturally diverse food, particularly in food deserts.
  • Food Safety: MEHKOs are regulated by county health departments and require food safety manager certification, ensuring public health standards are met.
  • Innovation: MEHKOs foster culinary creativity and diversity, offering a platform for unique and culturally specific cuisines.
• The episode will also cover the restrictions associated with MEHKOs:
  • Meal Caps: MEHKOs are limited to selling 30 meals per day, 90 per week, with a maximum annual gross revenue of $100,000.
  • Same-Day Service: All food must be prepared, cooked, and served on the same day.
  • Direct Sales Only: Food from a MEHKO cannot be sold at events, farmers' markets, or through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash.
  • Prohibited Foods: MEHKOs are limited to low-risk food processes and cannot serve certain foods like raw oysters, homemade ice cream, or food containing THC or CBD.
• The podcast will guide listeners through the process of obtaining a MEHKO permit, including the requirements, costs, and resources available.
• The episode will also feature stories of successful MEHKO operators, highlighting the impact of this law on their lives and communities.
• Finally, the episode will explore the future of MEHKOs, discussing potential challenges and opportunities for growth and expansion.

This podcast episode will provide valuable information for anyone interested in starting a food business, supporting local food entrepreneurs, or learning about innovative approaches to food access and economic empowerment.