Welcome to NeighborGrub! We're excited to help you share your cooking with your community and earn from your kitchen. This guide walks you through everything you need to get started as a home cook in Utah.

Step 2: Get a Food Handler Permit

• Required for all cooks operating under Cottage Food or MEHKA

• Costs around $15-$25, valid for 3 years

• Can be completed online in 1-2 hours

Approved Food Handler Trainers

Step 3: Register with the State or County Health Department (if needed)

Depending on your path:

For Cottage Food:

• Register with the Utah Dept. of Agriculture

• Submit recipes, labels, storage info

• Pay $50 registration fee

More info

For MEHKA:

• Register with your local county health department under the Homemade Food Act

• Provide your planned meals and processes

• Kitchen may be subject to inspection

For Home Consumption Act:

• No registration or permit required, but you must:

  • Sell directly to the consumer

  • Provide a disclosure that the food was not prepared in an inspected kitchen

Step 4: Prep Your Kitchen

• Keep pets out of the kitchen at all times

• Clean, sanitize, and keep ingredients stored separately from household food

• No household chores (laundry, cleaning) during food prep

• Cottage Food producers must keep a 14-day sample of each batch. This is a food safety requirement that allows the Utah Department of Agriculture to test your products in the event of a reported illness or complaint. Each sample must be stored in a sealed container, clearly labeled with the production date, batch number, and product name. Keep these samples refrigerated or frozen as appropriate for the item, and stored separately from household food to avoid contamination.

Step 5: Create Compliant Labels

This step applies to both Cottage Food and MEHKA cooks. Proper labeling is required by the Utah Department of Agriculture and helps ensure transparency and safety for your customers.

For Cottage Food Labels:

All food labels must include:

• Product name

• Ingredient list (by weight)

• Allergen warnings

• Net weight or volume

• Your name, address, phone number

• One of the following disclosures:

  • "This product is homemade and is not prepared in a food establishment inspected by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food."

  • OR: "This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to state inspection." (Home Consumption Act)

For MEHKA Labels:

Food sold under the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Act must include:

• Product name

• Ingredient list (by weight)

• Allergen warnings

• Net weight or volume

• Your name, address, phone number

• The disclosure: "Processed and prepared without state or local inspection"

• A "Not for resale" statement

Step 6: Set Up Your NeighborGrub Profile

• Upload your menu and dish photos

• Set your pickup or delivery options

• Choose prices and availability

• Connect your Stripe account for payouts

We help you stay compliant while reaching hungry locals

Step 7: Start Selling!

• Accept orders via NeighborGrub

• Coordinate pickup or delivery

• Maintain good reviews by providing great service and communication

Quick Legal Reminders

• No interstate shipping

• No resale through stores or restaurants

• Sales must be direct-to-consumer (especially for Home Consumption Act)

• Labeling is always required

Ready to Get Started?

We're here to help you cook local, earn money, and connect with your community!