Temporary Food Establishments

Is your department or organization hosting an event on campus where food or beverages will be served, sold or otherwise provided to the general public or campus community?   If so, you likely need to apply for a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) permit.

TFE Permit Process

  1. Determine if a TFE is required for your event.  Use our Food Permit Decision Tree to help guide you through the process.  Still not sure?  Contact our office at foodsafety@txstate.edu for assistance. 
     
  2. Reserve a space for your TFE through our campus partners – LBJSC Event Services, Campus Recreation 
     
  3. Submit a  Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application via the Bobcat Organization Hub at least ten (10) days prior to your event. Be prepared to upload the following documentation with your permit application:  
  • A copy or photo of the vendor Retail Fixed Food Establishment permit if you are serving food obtained from a restaurant, bakery, etc.  
     
  • If you are a commercial vendor applying for a TFE permit, you must be provide a copy of your catering/vendor contract with Dining Support Services, and you must upload a copy of your Certificate of Insurance.  All commercial vendors must be invited/sponsored by a University Department to set up a TFE on campus.    
  1. Get approved!  Approval from EHSREM must be issued prior to initiation of any temporary food service operation.  
     
  2. Have your event.  Use the Temporary Food Establishment Checklist and make sure you follow the requirements in your TFE permit.  Always be ready for an inspection from EHSREM.   
     
  3. Clean up!  Always make sure your TFE site is left in a clean condition after the event. Leaving behind trash, grease stains, or wastewater is prohibited.

    Contact foodsafety@txstate.edu if you have any questions.  
Police officers handing out donuts on the quad

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

  • Private events are closed off to the general campus community and are not openly advertised. These events may be invite-only or may only be open to members of the organization or department. Examples of private events may include:

    • Private tailgate parties
    • Department or organization potlucks
    • Organization banquets
    • Cook-outs
    • Picnics
    • Other similar events that are not open to the public

  • Public or open events must submit a TFE Permit Application when serving food on campus.

    Public events are open to the general campus community and can be accessed by any/all Texas State University faculty, staff, students, or campus visitors. Public events may be advertised openly to the campus community (directly or indirectly) and can be free or have a paid admission fee. Examples of public events may include:

    • Food distribution in common spaces or open areas (e.g. the Quad, Mall, Bobcat Trail, etc.)
    • Fairs or festivals
    • Sporting events
    • Other similar events where food is served to the general public

  • No, submitting a TFE Permit Application does not reserve space on campus.

    Space reservation forms, solicitation requests, or other documentation must be submitted to Student Involvement or other involved department(s), as applicable.

  • EHSREM receives a large number of TFE Applications on a weekly basis. Applications are reviewed and approved in order of date priority. If there are questions about your application, you will be contacted by EHSREM. To check the status of your TFE Application, please email EHSREM at foodsafety@txstate.edu.

    Please note: TFE Applications submitted over the weekend, on a holiday, or after 5:00pm will not be reviewed until the next business day.

  • During events that involve the distribution of cooked/prepared foods, EHSREM may conduct random food safety inspections. During the course of the inspections, non-compliance with food handling standards will be noted and must be corrected immediately. Food services will be suspended if a potential food risk is not immediately corrected.

    Safe food handling practices and inspections are in accordance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) 25 TAC 229.161 — 229.171, 229.173 — 229.175. The TFER provides the rules for which inspections are based upon to prevent foodborne illness. In addition, organizations serving food must comply with the policy Food Safety and Sanitation. 

  • These types of items are purchased in packages and are unopened before serving.  Examples of factory-sealed pre-packaged foods include snack sized bags of chips, granola bars, or fruit roll ups.  An example of items that do NOT meet this definition are cupcakes purchased in a sealed package from a bakery which are then opened and distributed individually. 

    Serving factory sealed, pre-packaged food or beverage does not require a TFE Permit Application. However, if the food is removed from packaging prior to serving, a TFE Permit Application must be submitted.

  • Only certain baked goods covered under the Cottage Food Law are permitted to be made at home. All other foods must be made on site or provided by a vendor. Please refer to the Cottage Food Law for a list of acceptable foods and the requirements that must be met. 

  • If you will be hosting a large event where multiple groups or vendors will be serving food, each group/vendor must complete a separate TFE application along with any additional required documents.

Space Reservations

Please note: Submitting a TFE Application does not confirm a space reservation on campus. Prior to submitting a TFE Permit Application, please ensure that your organization has submitted the appropriate Campus Access Requests to Student Involvement at LBJSC. If you require access to power, please request a space in the LBJ Mall as the Quad does not have power access.