Packing House Sign Up

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 $18, with no minimum hours required. As with all kitchen users, a mandatory kitchen orientation is required. These are held on the third Thursday of every month from 12:30 to 2:00 pm.

Click the steps below for details and then contact our kitchen manager Trish Robertson at (573) 443-5667 or [email protected] to complete the sign up process.

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