Food Truck Information

How to Apply for an Annual Food Truck Permit

Food Trucks interested in serving private events within Rhode Island State Parks must obtain an Annual Food Truck Permit or a One-Day Small Business Permit.

Annual Food Truck Permits remain active for one year from the date of approval, as long as the Certificate of Insurance (COI) and RI Mobile Food Establishment Registration (MFE) that we have on file for your business remains up to date. 
 
One-Day Small Business-Special Use Permit requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event.  Click here for instructions on how to submit a Special Use Permit request.
 
1. Create your Community Profile with login and password. Once you're logged in, you can proceed.  Every time you use the site, start by logging in. 
 
2. Go to the Food Truck Community Membership Page and click on "Enroll".  Complete the profile form. 
 
3. You will need to submit an active RI Mobile Food Establishment Registration (MFE), issued by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations, and a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Email COI's and MFE's to Erin Rogers at erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov. 
 
Certificate of Insurance Requirements 
Certificates MUST indicate that the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is additionally insured on a "primary and non-contributory basis"" and a "waiver of subrogation" must be indicated for the additional insured.  The "Certificate Holder" on the policy MUST be the "State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908"
 
 
4. You will receive a $100.00 invoice for administrative processing costs, and an email from RI State Parks, when your permit has been approved. 
 
Rhode Island State Parks have a carry in-carry out policy, which means there are no trash cans for general use.  Food trucks must provide a trash receptacle for the exclusive use of their customers.  If customers take food to another location in the park, we ask that they be reminded to please help keep our parks clean and take their trash home with them.  
 
Any type of food and beverage may be served by food trucks at Brenton Point State Park, with the exception of shaved ice/slushies.
 
Alcohol and cannabis-based products are prohibited on RI State Park properties, with the exception of specific locations, and through a license agreement, approved by the Rhode Island State Properties Committee.
 
UPDATE!  We are currently in the process of switching credit card processing companies.  Until further notice, all payments for Annual Food Truck Permits must be made by check.   
 
Please make checks out to the State of Rhode Island and mail to: RI/DEM, 1100 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.  The name of your food truck should be noted in the memo line of your check. 
 
Once your permit has been issued, you will be listed on our website as an Approved Food Truck Vendor.
 
If you have any questions, contact RI State Parks at 401-667-6200 or email Erin Rogers at erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov.
 

RI State Parks Approved Food Trucks

For a list of approved food trucks go to the RI Parks Events & Rentals-Special Use Policy & Permits Page 
 

Food Trucks Hired for Private Events

1. Park patrons who wish to hire a Food Truck for a special event must select a Food Truck from our list of Approved Vendors, or ask their desired truck to become an approved vendor or obtain a One-Day Small Business Permit.
 
2. Food Trucks who are interested in becoming an Approved Vendor must obtain an Annual Food Truck Permit ($100).  Food Trucks interested in a One-Day Small Business Permit ($25) require the Food Truck to submit a Special Use Permit Request through our online portal at least  30 days in advance of the event (If you are interested in submitting a Special Use Permit Request, please contact erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov for instructions). **Both permits require the Food Truck to provide erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and Mobile Food Establishment Registration (MFE) that meets the requirements set by the RIDEM/Division of Legal Services.

3. Event organizers must first contact the Park Manager at the RI State Park they are hoping to host their event.  Approval of events are at the discretion of Park Management.

4. Park Management will instruct you where the food truck may park for private events.
 
5. Food Trucks serving private events may not set-up in rental sites or fields that have not been approved by Park Management.   

6. There is no daily charge for Food Trucks to serve at a private event, as long as they have an Annual Food Truck Permit.  Food Trucks serving private parties are not permitted to serve the general public and must be paid directly by the host of the event.
 
7.  Click here for a map of the locations that food trucks/bounce houses are approved to serve private events at Colt State Park.   

For questions please call 401-667-6200 or email erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov.
 
Any proposed event must stay within social gathering limits and abide by any other restrictions associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency.