The purpose of the Licensing Subcommittee is to clarify current food sampling licensing and regulatory requirements established at the state and Montgomery County levels, as well as to identify and address requirements that are potentially financially or operationally challenging for local producers, food educators, culinary instructors, and nonprofit organizations. 

  • Focus Areas:
    • Temporary food service licensing (for tastings of local products, dishes made during educational classes)
    • Farmers market licensing
    • Food demonstrations
  • Process
    • Form a subgroup with representatives of local organizations and stakeholder groups
    • Determine current regulations at the County and State levels
  •  Goals
    • Identify the potential positive changes to current regulations and determine the effect that the proposed changes would have on the budget.
    • Present findings to County leaders and potentially advocate for policy change
    • Ensure requirements maintain necessary food safety standards while creating an environment that fosters opportunities for small business growth and nutrition education in Montgomery County.

Upcoming Events

Apr 22

MoCo Food Recovery Collaborative

Join the MoCo Food Recovery Collaborative on April 22 from 1:00–2:30 pm for a discussion on connections and communications in food recovery efforts across the DMV

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Apr 25

Montgomery County GreenFest

Join us at the largest environmental festival in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County GreenFest!

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Apr 28

Recipe to Reality™ Seminar

Learn the practical steps that help you decide whether—or how—to take your food idea to market.

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Apr 30

Maryland Food System Resiliency Council Meeting

The Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) holds a public bi-weekly meeting with the Communication & Coordination Committee to monitor and discuss food systems bills during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session.

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Apr 30

Maryland Food System Resiliency Council Meeting

The Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) holds a public bi-weekly meeting with the Communication & Coordination Committee to monitor and discuss food systems bills during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session.

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May 11

Food Security Community Call

The Food Council’s Food Security Calls are designed for learning, information-sharing and network building.

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May 14

Food Justice Coalition

Join Food Council partners Manna Foods and Shepherd's Table for the Food Justice Coalition.

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May 27

Spring Job Fair- Interagency Commission on Homelessness

Join ICH for aJob Fair specifically designed for individuals at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness and those who are served by PSH and RRH programs.

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