Applying for Department of Health Permits: If you prepare and serve food to the public once per week or less, you just need to register with the Department of Health. Religious, fraternal, and charitable organizations that operate an emergency food program should submit applications and other documentation to:
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Division of Environmental Health
Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS)
253 Broadway, 12th Floor, Box CN-59A
New York, New York 10007
Before you fill out your permit application: The Office of Field Operations/Inspections (OFOI) provides application screening and is available to answer all questions regarding those establishments that have not yet qualified for a DOH permit. These sessions ensure that all applications are filled out correctly and that a copy of your 501(c)3 letter is submitted.
If it is not listed there, call the Internal Revenue Service Office of Exempt Organizations at 877-829-5500, and they should be able to get it for you. OFOI staff will submit your completed application and a copy of your 501(c)3 letter to the Citywide Licensing Agency. You will not be charged a fee for this permit. When you receive your permit: Your DOH permit will be mailed to your organization at the mailing address designated on your application. Make sure that you list the mailing address that you use to receive the mail for your food program. The permit must be kept and displayed at all times to the public on the premises where you operate your facility. It must be shown to representatives of the Department of Health when requested.
You must provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN), which should be listed on the corner of your 501(c)3 letter.
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Section 5
Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry Best Practices Guide