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Charitable Feeding Organizations

This program works with operators of Charitable Feeding Organizations to ensure food safety. This page will help you quickly determine whether you qualify as a CFO, how to apply, what the associated fees are, and where to find the resources you need to operate safely and in compliance with local and state regulations.

Start here: Pre-Application Information

Before you submit an application, please review the information in the drop‑down menus below to make sure you understand the charitable feeding organization categories and are prepared to apply.

What is a Charitable Feeding Organization?

A Charitable Feeding Organization (CFO) is a food enterprise that provides food without charge, that solicits, warehouses, and redistributes edible food to persons who feed needy individuals and is operated by a civic or fraternal organization, charity, lodge, association, proprietorship or corporation possessing a 501(C) exemption under the Internal Revenue Code; or religious organizations meeting the definition of “church” under the Internal Revenue Code, §170(b)(1)(A)(I).

The term Charitable Food Organization includes but is not limited to food pantries, central food banks, soup kitchens, community kitchens, and nonprofit food delivery services.

Charitable Feeding Organizations (CFO) Categories

All CFO’s are split into categories based on the level of food safety risk posed to the public. Upper-level CFO’s will undergo a routine inspection 1 to 3 times per year to ensure that safety standards are met and that staff/ volunteers are properly trained and credentialed.

A charitable feeding organization is designated as one of four categories in accordance with this section 10- 3- 100 (A) in the City of Austin (ONLY):

  • Category 1: A charitable feeding organization that distributes only shelf-stable food and uncut produce.
  • Category 2: A charitable feeding organization that distributes and may portion commercially prepared and packaged time-temperature-controlled-for-safety foods; or
  • Category 3: A charitable feeding organization that heats, and/or portions commercially prepared foods that are time-temperature controlled for safety for same-day service or delivery.
  • Category 4: A charitable feeding organization that cooks, cools and warms foods that are time-temperature controlled for safety for same-day or future service or delivery, including but not limited to community kitchens and soup kitchens.
CFO Self-Guided Category Determination

Read the CFO categories below to determine what group you fall into:

CFO Category 1

  • Types of Food Allowed: Only prepackaged non-TCS* foods, beverages in closed containers, whole uncut fruits and vegetables, canned foods and packaged grains.
  • Limited Service: No open food handling. Storage of shelf stable foods and uncut produce only.
  • Requirements: Must register for a CFO Category 1, Follow the “Best Management Practices”, and no routine inspections are required. Complete the CFO General Application.

CFO Category 2

  • Types of Food Allowed: All pre-packaged TCS* foods allowed, minimal handling of open foods, and reproportioning of foods allowed.
  • Limited Service: Distributes and portions commercially prepared/ packaged TCS* Foods and requiring minimal handling of open food.
  • Requirements: Must register for a CFO Category 2, Follow the “Best Management Practices”, Food Handlers Certificate(s) and annual routine inspections are required. Complete the CFO General Application.

CFO Category 3

  • Types of Food Allowed: All TCS* foods allowed, preparing hot or cold TCS* foods onsite for same-day service only.
  • Limited Service: Heats and/or portions commercially prepared TCS* foods for same-day service.
  • Requirements: Must apply for a CFO Category 3 Food Permit. Fees waived. A pre-opening inspection and routine inspections are required, a registered Food Manager Certificate and Food Handlers Certificate(s) required. Complete the CFO General Application.

CFO Category 4

  • Types of Food Allowed: All TCS* foods allowed. Preparing hot or cold TCS* foods onsite allowed.
  • Full Service: A full-service community kitchen and soup kitchen that cooks, cools and warms foods that are TCS* foods for same-day, future or delivery service.
  • Requirements: Must apply for a CFO Category 4 Food Permit. Fees waived. A pre-opening inspection and routine inspections are required, a registered Food Manager Certificate and Food Handlers Certificate(S) required. Complete the CFO General Application.

*TCS = Time or Temperature Controlled for Safety Foods (i.e. meat, dairy, cut melons, cooked vegetables, etc.)

How to Apply for a Permit

Use the drop-down menus below to learn how to apply, access supplemental application documents, and review current permit fees. This section provides clear steps to help you understand what is needed for a complete and accurate application. For more information, review the Guide on How to apply for a CFO (PDF).

-> Download the Charitable Feeding Organization General Application (PDF)

How to Apply as a Charitable Feeding Organization

You can apply for a permit in three ways: in person, by mail, or online. Choose the option that works best for you.

Apply in Person
You may come to our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Austin, TX 78754, and turn in a printed application.

Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.

Apply Online
To submit an application, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
  2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
  3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Charitable Feeding Organization General Application.
  4. Click Submit a New Charitable Feeding Organization General Application.

  5. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

  6. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

  7. Upload any pertinent files.

  8. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

  9. Click Submit.

  10. From the dashboard, click Past Submissions to view and edit the application, attach new files or add messages. 

Need help? Visit the APH office (1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205) or call 512‑978‑0300.

How to Apply for a Pre-opening Inspection (CFO Category 3 and 4 Only)

A pre-opening inspection is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy after a new or remodeled construction to ensure the approved plans were followed, or before the ownership of an establishment is transferred to another entity or individual. The facility must pass this inspection before a permit can be issued.

You can apply for a permit in three ways: in person, by mail, or online. Choose the option that works best for you.

Apply in Person
You may come to our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Austin, TX 78754, and turn in a printed application.

Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.

--> Download the Pre-Opening Inspection Application (PDF)

Apply Online
You may apply through the My Health Department Customer Portal. To get started, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
  2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
  3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Pre-Opening Application.
  4. Click Submit a New Pre-Opening Application.

  5. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

  6. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

  7. Upload any pertinent files.

  8. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

  9. Click Submit.

  10. From the dashboard, click Past Submissions to view and edit the application, attach new files or add messages.

Need help? Visit the APH office (1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205) or call 512‑978‑0300.

Additional Application Documents - CFO Waiver Contract, Temporary Food Event Application

Charitable Feeding Organization - Third Party Waiver Contract

-> Download the CFO Third Party Waiver Contract (PDF)

Temporary Food Event Application

-> Download the Temporary Food Event Application (PDF)

Permit Fees

All food establishment, mobile, and temporary event permits (all categories) are fee exempt for CFOs in the City of Austin. Other EHSD Fees may apply such as Plan Review, Late Fee, Re-inspection Fee, Mobile Fire Inspection Fee, etc.

To view the full EHSD permit fee schedule, visit Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.

Guides: How to Operate a Charitable Feeding Organization

For more information on how to operate a Charitable Feeding Organization, click the drop-down menus below.

Guides for Charitable Feeding Organizations

Guide: How to Apply for a CFO
This guide is designed to assist new and current Charitable Feeding Organizations (CFO) operating within the City of Austin (COA) only.

-> How to apply for a CFO (PDF)

Charitable Feeding Organization Checklist
Use this checklist to help ensure your CFO has all the required documents to meet the requirements of Austin Public Health, Austin Water Industrial Waste and Development Services Department Commercial Plan Review.

-> CFO Checklist (PDF)

Charitable Feeding Organization Best Management Practices
A Charitable Feeding Organization (CFO) must obtain a CFO permit to operate for the handling of time and temperature-controlled foods or for the purpose of repackaging donated foods. After a CFO permit is obtained, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will conduct a routine inspection every 3-6 months depending on the inspection frequency analysis. For information on this process, review the CFO Best Management Practices PDF below.

-> CFO Best Management Practices (PDF)

Virtual Information Sessions

To better understand the CFO background, review the PowerPoint presentation and zoom recording below.

-> Charitable Feeding Organizations Virtual Information Session Power Point Presentations

-> Charitable Feeding Organizations Virtual Information Session Zoom Recording

Industrial Waste Relief Opportunity

Industrial Waste Relief
In May 2021, the Austin City Council voted to provide relief to Charitable Feeding Organizations (CFO). Austin Water Industrial Waste (IW), Austin Public Health (APH) and Development Services Department (DSD) Commercial Plan Review are working together to implement this relief. For more information, review the document linked below.

-> Austin Water Industrial Waste Relief Opportunity for Charitable Feeding Organizations (PDF)

Contact Information

For questions, please contact our office or reach out to our ombudsman directly.

Ombudsman

Theresa Giudice, Environmental Health Supervisor:

Environmental Health Services Office Contact Information
  • Main Office Phone: 512-978-0300, option 5
  • Office Email: Ehsd.Service@austintexas.gov
  • Mailing Address: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.
    *All overnight or expedited mail should be sent directly to our Rutherford Lane office to ensure timely processing.
  • Physical Address: Environmental Health Services, 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.
Additional Contacts

Helpful contacts for CFO managers:

Food Safety Laws and Regulations

Food safety in Austin is governed by federal, state, and local laws. The sections below provide an overview of the regulations that apply to food establishments and temporary food events, including permitting requirements, operational standards, and inspection authority. Click the drop-down menus below to learn more.

Federal Regulations

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code

The US FDA Food Code (2017) provides the national model for food safety standards in retail food establishments. Texas adopts the 2017 FDA Food Code into state law, forming the basis for requirements related to safe food handling; employee health and hygiene; food preparation and storage practices; equipment and facility standards; and inspection and enforcement systems.

-> U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code (2017)

State of Texas Regulations

Texas Food Establishment Rules

25 TAC Chapter 228 establishes statewide health and safety standards for retail food establishments in Texas. It includes requirements for safe food preparation, cooling, reheating, and storage; employee cleanliness and hygiene; water, plumbing, and wastewater systems; pest control and waste management; and facility construction and equipment standards. It also sets operational rules for mobile food units, temporary food establishments, and bed‑and‑breakfast operations.

-> Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – 25 TAC Chapter 228

City of Austin Regulations

Food and Food Handlers

Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 establishes the local Food Code for the City of Austin. It includes permit requirements for fixed, mobile, and temporary food establishments; plan review requirements for new construction and remodels; conditions for operating food establishments; local inspection authority and enforcement actions.

-> Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers

Have Feedback?

We welcome your feedback and use it to improve our services. Please share your experience through the online survey below. If you need to address a concern or request a second opinion about an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

--> Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services

To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.