05/20/2026
MEHKOs are here to stay in Contra Costa County!
Last week, the Board of Supervisors heard an update from Environmental Health as the County nears the completion of its initial two-year pilot program. Here's what was shared:
✅Environmental health only received two complaints in a two-year period
✅No foodborne illness complaints or public health incidents
✅Several informal food businesses transitioned into legal, permitted operations
✅The majority of operators are women and people of color
✅Environmental Health staff said they are “immensely proud” to be able to offer the MEHKO permit as a legal pathway for entrepreneurs
County officials acknowledged that many of the concerns raised before the program launched “simply have not shown up.”
But what did show up was the MEHKO community, as the Board of Supervisors heard directly from residents who have used the MEHKO permit to support their families, pursue entrepreneurship, serve their neighbors, and build meaningful community connections through food. In many ways, the discussion item felt like a celebration of the program and the community that has grown around it!
We’re incredibly proud that every jurisdiction that initially adopted the MEHKO program as a pilot has ultimately voted to make it permanent.
Before the vote, Supervisor John Gioia had this to say about the program:
“This is a perfect example of how government can respond to community needs. Instead of just saying no because something doesn’t fit the traditional model, Environmental Health has really been open to this new business model and figured out a way to make it work in a way that is business-friendly, healthy, and safe.”
Watch the discussion here: https://contra-costa.granicus.com/player/clip/3898?meta_id=371582
