Public Health Town Hall: Unlicensed Food Vendors

The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), in partnership with Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH), will host a Public Health Town Hall to discuss unlicensed mobile food vendors and their impact on community safety, fair business operations and public safety.

The event will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Pasco High School Auditorium (1108 N 10th Ave., Pasco, WA).

​This Town Hall will provide updates on current efforts across the region, explain the food permitting process, and create space for community members to share their questions, concerns and experiences. This issue extends beyond any single jurisdiction—unlicensed food sales are affecting the bi-county area, the State of Washington, and communities across the West Coast. All interested residents, business owners and vendors are encouraged to attend, and this Town Hall is open to all community members across Benton & Franklin counties.

Panelists Include:
• Erin Hockaday, Sr. Manager of Surveillance & Investigation, BFHD
• Marizela Silva, Interim Food Safety Supervisor, BFHD
• Dr. Steve Krager, Health Officer, BFHD
• Susan Shelton, Food Safety Program, Washington State Department of Health

“This conversation is an opportunity for us to connect directly with residents and vendors to clarify the permitting process, explain our public health responsibilities and hear community perspectives,” said Janae Parent, BFHD District Administrator. “We want to ensure everyone has the information they need to protect public health and operate safely.”

Topics & Format
Presentation:
• Background on public health concerns & overview of the food permitting process

Open Q&A and Dialogue on:
• Understanding the permitting process
• Protecting public safety
• Ensuring fair business operations
• Balancing enforcement with support for vendors
• Community questions and open dialogue

Join the Virtual Town Hall
Time: Nov 24, 2025 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
​
Join Zoom Meeting: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83663324636?pwd=hZuG3S39dKMtLUPdZgrzl2gQ2vVbbU.1
Meeting ID: 836 6332 4636
Passcode: 338938
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