The purpose of this policy is to ensure the health and safety of our community, protect our facilities, and maintain compliance of insurance, liability and health codes. Only third-party, licensed food trucks approved by the College will be permitted onto campus for the dates and times of the approved event. 

Food truck approvals require a minimum of 15 business days. Departments and student organizations should ideally plan at least one month to work through the approval process. 

Prior to arrival, food trucks must have a signed contract with a College department or office. Kenyon departments and offices must complete the space reservation, reserving the EMS space request with the Office of Campus Events, while officially recognized student organizations will work with the Office of Student Engagement. 

Students, faculty and staff cannot invite food trucks to Kenyon’s campus for individual purposes. 

In addition to campus sponsorship, invited food trucks will need to have a signed contract, pass a safety inspection and provide proof of required insurance before qualifying to visit the campus. 

Invitation/Certification Process

Before inviting a food truck to campus, organizers must have a designated area reserved through the EMS space reservation system and approved.

  • College departments must request space from the Office of Campus Events (OCE), while officially recognized student organizations must request space from the Office of Student Engagement (OSE).
  • Frequently approved spaces include Sparrow House parking area on North Campus (after 5 p.m. or on weekends), Chapel Circle on Central Campus, Gund Commons parking lot (evenings and weekends), and Ascension Hall parking area on South Campus (weekends only).
  • The host will seek final permission from Campus Safety and our grounds/facilities teams prior to approval of a food truck location. 

Food truck owners need to provide proof of all necessary Ohio licenses and permits, including but not limited to a Business License, Mobile Food License, Public Health Permit/License, Seller’s Permit and Food Handler’s License. (A valid liquor license is not required as food trucks will not be allowed to sell liquor on Kenyon property.)

  • Food trucks will display all applicable permits visibly at all times. These permits must be dated, timed and location-specific.

The food truck will need to pass a yearly inspection from the Mount Vernon Fire Department or another fire department in Knox County prior to campus arrival; documentation must be provided.

  • To schedule a safety inspection with MVFD, truck owners should email Terry Davis at tedavis@mountvernonohio.org.
  • Inspection will take about 15-20 minutes. 

  • Food truck owners should notify MVFD at least 5 business days in advance to schedule the inspection.

Vehicle and set-up at location must adhere to all Ohio Department of Commerce Guidelines.

Rules and Requirements

  • Food trucks must comply with all local, state and federal laws, as well as Kenyon College policies, including the Kenyon Civil Rights Policy.

    • Food trucks must comply with all requests from Campus Safety related to the safety of campus or the proper functioning of the College, including requests to leave campus or relocate.

    • The vendor is responsible for any damage to Kenyon property while entering, leaving, or parked on the campus.

  • Kenyon does not provide utilities (e.g., electricity, water, etc.) unless specified in the contract. 

  • Food trucks should have the ability to accept various forms of payment, such as cash, credit/debit cards and K-Card (preferred but not required). 

  • Food trucks should not publicly advertise availability during the contracted Kenyon event timeframe. 

  • Kenyon actively promotes waste reduction, recycling, renewing valuable resources, conserving energy and water resources through our operations. We encourage visiting food truck vendors to do the same.

    • Food trucks must remove all trash and litter and clean up any spills when they leave campus.

    • Food trucks must prevent the disposal of any materials, including rinse or wash water, any spilled materials or any waste into streets, gutters, storm drains, or creeks.

    • Tarps and/or grease boards must be supplied and placed under the food trucks.

  • Food trucks can remain in one location no longer than 6 hours.

    • When parked at the assigned location, food truck engines must remain off.

    • Food trucks must maintain a state of mobile readiness at all times; the use of external equipment is not allowed.

    • Food trucks must be staffed appropriately and at all times.

    • Food trucks are not permitted to emit music or other amplified sound.

    • Food trucks are required to be removed from campus each day following their service time.

  • The sale of alcohol by any food truck vendor is strictly prohibited on campus.

  • Failure to adhere to any of the above rules and requirements or directives from Campus Safety may result in expulsion from campus and/or vendor’s approval being rescinded.

Day of Event Inspection

  • Upon arrival, and prior to serving, food trucks must pass an event inspection performed by MVFD (e.g., propane lines are connected, generators are inspected and proper extension cords are used, etc)
  • This inspection can be scheduled by the truck owner or event organizer by contacting Terry Davis at MVFD at tedavis@mountvernonohio.org
  • Event organizers and/or food truck owners should notify MVFD at least 5 business days in advance to schedule the day of event inspection.