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State of Alaska > DEC > EH > Food Safety and Sanitation Program 

Temporary Food Service
Program Manager: Ron Klein
(907) 269-7501
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Do you plan to serve food to the public at a:
Fair, Carnival, Festival, Bazaar, Public Exhibition, Fundraiser,
Promotional Event, Potluck, Political Event? 

Then you have a temporary food service.

What is a temporary food service?

A temporary food service is a fixed location where food is provided for consumption for a period of 28 consecutive days or fewer in conjunction with a single event such as those mentioned above. If you advertise the event to the general public with flyers, banners, newspaper articles or by other means, it is a temporary food service. If you are operating a temporary food service, then you must get a temporary food service permit from DEC.

Food cooked in individual homes may not be served at these kinds of events. All food must be prepared in a kitchen that is permitted by the department or purchased from a source that is permitted by the department.

If your event is within the Municipality of Anchorage, the requirements differ from the State requirements. Contact the Municipality Environmental Sanitation Program or call 343-6509.

What is a temporary food service?

Your event is NOT considered a temporary food service if the food is prepared or provided by members of the group FOR members of the group and their invited guests such as:

  • a meeting or an event of a private or charitable organization, association, or club;
  • an activity of a church or other religious congregation;
  • a gathering such as a party, picnic, or potluck held by a neighborhood, family, community, school, or office;
  • a traditional Native Potlatch.

Okay, I have a temporary food service. What do I do now?

Application for a Temporary Food Service Permit (pdf)

If your event is within the Municipality of Anchorage, the requirements differ from the State requirements. Contact the Municipality Environmental Sanitation Program or call 343-6509. If you are within Alaska but outside of Anchorage, print off this application. Please turn in your application 30 days before the event. Contact the DEC Office nearest you for the mailing address or for any questions. Be sure to include a check or money order made out to DEC or State of Alaska as follows:

  • One-day event -
    • $35.00, if application is submitted at least 7 days before event
    • $70.00, if application is submitted less than 7 days before event
  • Two or three days -
    • $65.00, if application is submitted at least 7 days before event
    • $130.00, if application is submitted less than 7 days before event
  • Four to seven days -
    • $90.00, if application is submitted at least 7 days before event
    • $180.00, if application is submitted less than 7 days before event
  • Eight to 28 days -
    • $120 if the application is submitted at least 15 days before the event
    • $240 if the application is submitted less than 15 days before the event

    Cash payment will be accepted in person. To pay by credit card please contact the Fairbanks office at (907) 451-2120 or Anchorage at (907) 269-7501.

If you have a letter from the Internal Revenue Service exempting you for Federal income tax under Group Ruling No. 1761, section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, send a copy of this letter instead of payment.

It is recommended that you use this checklist to get your temporary food service into shape before the event. You should also read this list of Dos and Dont's to become familiar with the right and wrong way to prepare food for your customers. If you still have questions, we would be happy to provide you with help and suggestions to make your food as safe as possible for all who attend your event. Just click on the Contact our Staff link on the right and call the office nearest you.

 
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