Food Sales, Licensing & Compliance

Why This Matters at Old Town Farm & Art Market

Food sales are a vital part of the market experience, and they also carry added responsibility. Vendors selling food products must comply with applicable local and state regulations to protect public health, maintain customer trust, and ensure the long-term success of the market.

This resource provides an overview of how food sales are evaluated and what vendors are responsible for understanding before selling food at Old Town Farm & Art Market.

Types of Food Sold at the Market

Food products sold at the market generally fall into one of the following categories:

  • Cottage food products (home-produced, non-potentially hazardous foods)

  • Commercially prepared foods (made in licensed kitchens)

  • Ready-to-eat foods and beverages (food trucks, prepared on-site items)

Each category carries different licensing, labeling, and compliance requirements.

Cottage Food Sales (Kansas)

Kansas cottage food laws allow individuals to sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods produced in a home kitchen.

Common cottage food products include:

  • Baked goods

  • Jams and jellies

  • Granola, popcorn, and similar shelf-stable items

Perishable foods such as meat, dairy, seafood, and refrigerated items are not permitted under cottage food laws.

Note: Kansas does not impose an annual sales limit for cottage food operations. Vendors are still responsible for complying with all other applicable requirements.

Licensing, Permits & Documentation

All food vendors are responsible for maintaining appropriate and current documentation based on the products they sell. This may include:

  • Cottage food registration or acknowledgment (when applicable)

  • Food establishment licenses

  • Food handler or food safety certifications

  • Mobile Food Vendor License issued by the City of Wichita (Food Trucks)

  • Sales tax registration and certificate

Required documentation must be uploaded to your vendor application and kept current throughout the season.

Insurance Requirements

All food vendors are required to carry Product Liability Insurance appropriate for their business and products.

Vendors must:

  • Maintain active coverage throughout their participation at the market

  • Name Old Town Farm & Art Market as a Certificate Holder

  • Upload a current certificate of insurance to their vendor application

Insurance documentation must be kept up to date. Vendors without valid coverage on file will not be permitted to sell food at the market.

Labeling Requirements

Food products must be clearly and accurately labeled as required by law.

Labeling typically includes:

  • Product name

  • Ingredient list (in descending order by weight)

  • Allergen disclosures

  • Business name and location

  • Required cottage food disclaimer (when applicable)

Clear labeling protects both vendors and customers and is required for all packaged food products sold at the market.

Selling Only Approved Products

Vendors may only sell:

  • Food products approved through the application process

  • Products that match submitted descriptions and documentation

Any changes to ingredients, preparation methods, or product categories must be reviewed and approved before being sold at the market.

Responsibility & Compliance

Food vendors are responsible for:

  • Understanding which regulations apply to their products

  • Maintaining compliance throughout the season

  • Operating in a manner that protects public health and safety

Failure to comply with food safety, licensing, or labeling requirements will result in corrective action, suspension, or removal, as outlined in the market’s Rules & Regulations.

Staying Informed

Food regulations can change. Vendors are expected to stay informed and adapt as requirements evolve.

For Kansas-specific guidance, vendors are encouraged to review:

(Optional resource for vendors selling food products at Old Town Farm & Art Market. This overview does not replace guidance from regulatory agencies.)