Food Vendors

Food vendors must hold all required health department licenses, operate from a licensed commercial kitchen, and have a current Food Handling certificate.

A Food Handling Safety certificate is proof that you have been trained in cleanliness standards for products for public consumption, and it is a requirement at our markets.

Here are some online training options:

• www.NRFSP.com (407-352-3603)
• www.ServSafe.com (312-715-1010)

You will need to upload the certificate to your market application once you acquire it.

Because Montgomery County and other Maryland counties do not require routine inspections for cottage food operations, vendors operating under the Maryland Cottage Food Law are not eligible to participate in our markets.

• Virginia vendors may apply as home bakers only if they operate from a VDACS-inspected kitchen. Applications must include their current VDACS Inspection Report.
• Washington, DC vendors may apply as Cottage Food Businesses and must include their Cottage Food Business Identification Number and their current DC Department of Health kitchen inspection report.
• Food vendors will need a county health permit or license.

County-specific requirements:

• Montgomery County: Apply using the online option (not the PDF option) for the Prepared Foods and Sampling Permit. Call Kenny Welch at 240-777-3840 with questions.
• Prince George’s County: Create a Momentum online account and contact the health department (Special Event Coordinator).
• Howard County: Contact the health department at 410-313-6216.

Milk Lady Markets prioritizes vendors who source their primary ingredients locally or who collaborate directly with local farms and producers. Vendors who purchase primary ingredients from grocery stores or national distributors are not eligible.