Secretariat Policies

Food Trucks on York University Campuses (Regulations)

Posted on 28 June 2017

Legislative History:

Approved by the Vice-President and Administration; Effective 2017/06/19

Approval Authority: Vice-President Finance and Administration

These Regulations apply to all members of York University and eligible external users who wish to utilize the services of a Food Truck for any event on University premises.  For the purpose of these Regulations, “Food Truck” is defined as any mobile self-contained food vendor that does not require connections to University services (e.g. electricity, water) and which:

    1. serves the University’s Keele and/or Glendon campuses on a regular established schedule (“Regular Food Trucks”); or
    2. serves special events (“Special Event Food Trucks”).
  1. Food Trucks may only operate on University premises at times and locations that are pre-approved in accordance with these Regulations. For clarity, this includes any Food Trucks operated by existing campus food service providers.
  2. The Director of Food Services is the designated booking agent for all Food Trucks operating on York University premises and has oversight for the selection and scheduling of all Food Trucks, including Special Event Food Truck requests. Eligible users (as defined in the TUUS policy) may procure a Food Truck application form by contacting York Food Services.
  3. An eligible user may submit an application to Food services requesting permission for the use of a Food Truck for an event on York University premises, subject to obtaining approval for use of suitable space pursuant to the University’s Temporary Use of University Space (TUUS) Policy and Procedures. Eligible users must contact Food Services early in the event planning process, and no less than 10 business days in advance of the event, to determine eligibility and availability.

Unless a Food Truck is being paid to provide a catered service for the event, event organizers must consider the realistic level of attendance and the sales volume that is expected, as this will influence whether Food Trucks will accept a particular booking and/or remain on site for the duration of the event.

  1. In evaluating a Food Truck application, Food Services shall determine the appropriateness of utilizing a Food Truck for the requested event, taking into account the following:
    • the nature of the event;
    • expected attendance and sales or whether the Food Truck is being paid to provide service;
    • the number and type of Food Truck(s) requested;
    • any alternate food options that will be available to attendees;
    • conflicts with other Food Truck events;
    • contingencies for inclement weather;
    • any other applicable factors (e.g. ability to park during winter months; requirements for utility services, noise, etc.)
  1. Food Services will collaborate with Parking Services, TUUS, and the event organizer to identify an appropriate location for Special Event Food Trucks that is accessible; safe for pedestrian traffic; does not block fire laneways, sidewalks or vehicular traffic; does not interfere with University activities. For clarity, Food Truck Vendors are not permitted to use amplified sound or loud generator noise where it may interfere with the University’s activities.
  2. Food Truck vendors must comply with applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to Parking Regulations and the Sale and Distribution of Single-Use bottled water.
  3. Approved food trucks must provide the following information to Food Services in advance of conducting business on campus:
    • Public Health inspection pass
    • Certificate of liability insurance, including vehicle insurance, in the amount stipulated by the University’s Risk Management Services unit.
    • Food Handler Certificate(s)

Food Services maintains relationships with a number of Food Truck vendors which have the necessary documentation on file.  A list is available on the Food Services web site.

  1. All approved Food Trucks are subject to a daily permit fee, which will include the cost of a parking pass. The current fee will be posted on the Food Services web site.
    1. For private functions, and caterings where food is pre-paid for attendees, the daily permit fee is payable by the requesting eligible user.
    2. For events that are open to the general community and involve the Food Truck selling food to the public, the daily permit fee is payable by the Food Truck operator.
  1. Nothing in these Regulations should be construed as allowing the serving of alcoholic beverages.
  2. The eligible user sponsoring the Food Truck is responsible for ensuring that the Food Truck vendor removes all recyclable materials and waste at the conclusion of the event. Any necessary pre-event setup or post-event cleanup work conducted by Campus Services and Business Operations shall be at the event sponsor’s expense via a Service Request.
  3. Failure to comply with these Regulations may result in loss of space and/or Food Truck booking privileges or other sanctions.