Packing House First Stop

A quick and simple guide to growers who want to process crops in our shared kitchen.
Our goal is to make it easy for growers to process excess crops without all the excess paperwork. We've created a streamlined, low-cost option for seasonal processing. No business license, no deposit, and no long-term commitment. Growers can start freezing, drying, and packing right away at a low hourly rate of $17, with no minimum hours required. 


Temporary Health Department Operating Permit

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department offers a temporary operating permit designed for short-term activities. This is perfect for growers who only need a few days to process crops. Permits for 1 to 3 days are $40 and those for 4 to 14 days are $70. Any continuous activities over 14 days must have a full operating permit.

Our kitchen is fully certified by the Health Department so these short-term permits only require a quick visit from a health inspector to review how the food is being processed. 

Please note, temporary operating permits are available for those selling direct to customer only. A full operating permit is required for those processing food to sell to restaurants or grocery stores. Good news though--restaurants and grocery stores may operate in the kitchen using their existing operating permit. 

For details on how to apply for a temporary operating permit visit:
https://www.como.gov/health/environmental-health/food-safety/food-service-establishments/temp-food-service-establishment/

Additional Insurance 

All operators will need to add our organization and the property owner to their existing insurance. This process will vary based on insurance carrier but it's simple and quick--and should cost less than $20. This addition will last the full term of your insurance so you can return to the kitchen anytime during that term. 

Additional insured:

Business Loop CID
14 Business Loop 70 E.
Columbia, MO 65203

Yousef Darkhalil
1205 Longwell Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203

CoMo Cooks Policy Documents

Because this is a shared kitchen, we've outlined our rules and guidelines for using the space in a way that respects others. Why so many documents? There are a lot of important guidelines to keep the kitchen a useable and pleasant place to be, from keeping the kitchen clean to safety policies to being professional when interacting with other clients. Because of this, we ask all clients to review and sign these documents to make sure we're all on the same page. Growers' contracts last for a year so you can return multiple times without having to resign. 

To download the full packet, visit:
CoMo Cooks Policy Documents
The Loop
14 Business Loop 70 East
Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-LOOP (5667)

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

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