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Food Trucks

Food Truck Requirements on Campus

“Food trucks” refers to any readily moveable (i.e., mounted on wheels) food establishment that may or may not utilize open flames during food preparation. This includes vehicles, enclosed trailers, and pushcarts.

Food trucks approved to distribute food on property owned or controlled by the university must do so in accordance with the requirements of Policy 5810, all other Virginia Tech Policies, and applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including but not limited to state food regulations for cleanliness and sanitation, and licensing, inspection, and permitting requirements governing the operation of a food service business.

All food trucks are required to have a valid permit issued by the health department prior to operating on University property. All food trucks equipped with appliances that utilize open flames or produce smoke, or grease-laden vapors must also have a valid permit issued either by the appointed fire official for the Virginia local government in which the food truck is identified for personal property tax payment of the vehicle or else the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office or designee. Finally, all companies doing business with Virginia Tech must maintain minimum insurance as set forth by the Office of Risk Management.

All food trucks used for campus events must:

  • Be approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
  • Comply with University Policy 3005 and University Policy 3006        
  • Meet the requirements of VT Police and Parking Services related to safety, security, or disruption of normal operations
  • Operate only in locations approved by EHS.

Non-university food trucks must have a university sponsor and prior approval from an official university scheduling office (University Policy 5000: University Real Property (Building, Grounds, Infrastructure) Usage and Events) to distribute food at a given location. Requests for food trucks to operate on University property must be coordinated through the appropriate university scheduling office with EHS in advance of a planned event.

Food trucks serving construction sites are not required to have a university sponsor but rather shall obtain approval of the construction contractor’s site superintendent and shall remain within the project site boundaries. These food trucks can only provide services by direct invitation of the contractor and must be registered with and approved by EHS.

Food trucks serving Virginia Tech facilities outside of the main campus, including local sites, regional campuses and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs), must meet all applicable state and local license and permitting requirements. The facility director or designee is responsible for registering with EHS any food trucks serving locations outside of Blacksburg (including regional campuses and ARECs).

To request approval for a food truck, please contact EHS at (540) 231-3600 or email firesafety@vt.edu at least 30 days prior to your event.