LA County distributes nearly 200 free food carts to street vendors
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Los Angeles County officials announced an additional $250,000 investment in a county sidewalk vending program and celebrate the distribution of nearly 200 no-cost food carts to vendors operating in unincorporated communities Thursday.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Chair Hilda Solis and officials with the Department of Economic Opportunity announced the funding during an event at the Centro Maravilla Service Center in East Los Angeles.
“The additional investment from Board Chair Solis will fund 19 integrated grill carts for vendors operating in or near the unincorporated San Gabriel Valley, bringing the County’s total investment to $1.78 million in food carts that help sidewalk vendors meet California health code standards and operate safely,” according to a statement from Solis’ office.
Street vendors gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Hilda Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
A new vendor cart was on display. Street vendors gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Hilda Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Taco vendor Ericka Riley talks with LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Director of the DEO Kelly LoBianco. Street vendors gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Hilda Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Hilda Solis speaks. Street vendors gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Hilda Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis speaks to street vendors who gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis (left) and the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity Dirctor,Kelly LoBianco stand next to vending carts with a check. Street vendors gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from as well as 19 integrated food carts from Solis and LoBiancio on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Street vendor Sergio Esparza and his son Hendricks were on hand to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Hilda Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
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Street vendors gathered to receive a $250,000 investment from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, as well as 19 integrated food carts from Board Chair Hilda Solis on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
The county said 199 health-code-compliant food carts are being distributed through the program to help vendors meet permitting and health requirements and transition to formal business operations.
Seven vendors who completed program requirements and obtained permits are expected to receive carts during Thursday’s event, officials said.
The program also provides subsidies for sidewalk vending permits, one-on-one technical assistance and permitting support.
Participating vendors may also qualify for permit subsidies, home kitchen programs and grants of up to $5,000 to help meet permitting requirements, officials said.
A resource fair scheduled in conjunction with the event will connect vendors with county departments and community organizations offering assistance with permitting, workforce development, health requirements, immigration resources and other business services.
