Potluck is temporarily put on hold until we can deal with health dept. issues

So apparently the reason why we don't already have a public community potluck is because the county health laws prohibit it (you need a temporary food service permit for any public event).


The following information was taken from the Tompkins County Health Department website (http://www.tompkins-co.org/health/):

What is a Temporary Food Establishment?

A Temporary Food Establishment is one that serves food to the public at a fixed location for no more than fourteen (14) consecutive days duration. If the event is advertised to the public (with flyers, banners, newspaper articles, list servs, or any other means) a temporary food permit is required. The requirements do not change if the food is being sold for profit or provided at no charge.

What events require temporary food permits?

Individuals or groups planning to hold events that are open to the public must obtain a permit. The Tompkins County Health Department requires that a temporary permit be obtained for each food booth operating during an event. When you hire a caterer, he/she must have a permit to operate in Tompkins County (either a temporary permit or a restaurant permit with catering).

Are there any events that DO NOT require temporary food permits?

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

• A meeting or an event for a private or charitable organization, association, a fraternal group, or club
• An activity in a church or other religious congregation for members
• A gathering such as a party, picnic or potluck held by a family, school, office, or a closed community
• Private weddings that do their own food preparation

Again, this only applies to the gathering if it is private. Any public advertisement of an event will mean a permit is required.

What about a “potluck dinner”?

The Tompkins County Health Department defines a potluck meal as one in which food is prepared in private homes, is shared with a private group of people, and is not offered or advertised to the general public. No permit is needed from the Health Department to have a potluck dinner.

Although a potluck meal does not require a Health Permit, it can be a possible source of foodborne illness. It is important to follow proper food preparation methods, as well as a little common sense to prevent illnesses.

I think that there is a huge difference between an event where food is served to the public (such as the Chili cook-off downtown) and an event where the public brings food to share.

What makes a public potluck held in a private location any different than a "private" potluck held by a pre-existing organization in a private location? The only difference I see is pre-existing social ties. 

Why can't people just come together to celebrate and share food (the common link that connects us all) with one another?

So, unfortunately, until I get back from spring break and can deal with this issue, the potluck is going to be put on hold.