Food Truck Information

Food Trucks at Rhode Island State Parks

Food Truck Companies interested in becoming an approved vendor, must first obtain an Annual Food Truck Permit.  You will need an Annual Food Truck Permit or a One-Day Small Business Special Use Permit if you would like to serve private events within RI State Parks.  

 
Annual Food Truck Permits ($75) 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 ($25) requests, require prior approval from the Regional Park Manager.  Plan ahead!!  One-Day Small Business Special Use Permit applications must be submitted online, at least 30 days in advance of the event.  Submission of an application does not guarantee that you will be permitted.  **Both permits require the submission of an online application, and a COI and MFE that meet the requirements set by RI DEM Division of Legal Services.  If you have any questions, contact RI State Parks at 401-667-6200, or email erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov.
 
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.  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.
 
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.  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.  
 
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.  Park Management will instruct you where the food truck may park for private events.  Food Trucks serving private events may not set-up in rental sites or fields that have not been approved by Park Management.  
 
Click here for a map of the locations that food trucks/bounce houses are approved to serve private events at Colt State Park.   
 
RI State Parks Approved Food Truck Vendors 
 
For a list of approved Food Truck Vendors, go to the RI Parks Events & Rentals-Special Use Policy & Permits Page
 
How to Apply for an Annual Food Truck Permit 
 
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. 
 
4. Once your insurance is approved, you will receive a $75.00 invoice for your permits administrative processing cost. Administrative Processing Cost payments can be made online or by check.  Checks should be made out to the State of Rhode Island and mailed to: RI DEM/Parks, 1100 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.  The name of your business and the invoice number should be noted in the memo line of your check.
 
5. Once your payment is received and your permit has been issued, you will be listed on our website as an Approved Food Truck Vendor.
 
Certificate of Insurance Requirements:  
 
  • Your COI must indicate that the State of Rhode Island, Department of Environmental Management is "additionally insured on a primary and non-contributory basis".
  • Your COI must indicate a "waiver of subrogation".
  • The Certificate Holder on your COI must be the "State of Rhode Island, Department of Environmental Management, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908"
 
If you have any questions, contact RI State Parks at 401-667-6200, or email erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov