University Policies

Mobile Food Vendor Policy

Approved By: President
Effective Date: December 12, 2023

POLICY STATEMENT

Western Illinois University has adopted a formal use policy for the reservation and appropriate use of Mobile Food Vendors, more commonly referred to as “Food Trucks.”

This policy sets forth the rules and regulations for the orderly location and operation of Mobile Food Vendors as well as assures that safety issues and operational risks such as food borne illnesses, explosions, fires, property damage, and environmental concerns have been addressed by Mobile Food Vendor operators.

SCOPE (WHO SHOULD READ THIS POLICY)

This policy applies to all university units, employees, students, Registered Student Organizations, University affiliated Professional Organizations, and the general public wishing to bring a mobile food vendor to Western Illinois University owned property.

DEFINITIONS

  • Designated Parking Space means a parking space identified by the University Parking Services Department, University Union Scheduling and Event Services Office, and/or the WIU-QC Administrative Staff as available for use by Mobile Food Vendors.
  • Mobile Food Vendor refers to a self-contained food service operation, located in a readily movable motorized, wheeled, self-propelled or towed vehicle, used to store, prepare, display or serve food intended for individual portion service. Mobile Food Vendors do not include vendors that have a food service contract with the university, or recognized student groups with permissions for the location at which they are selling or providing food.
  • Mobile Food Vendor Agreement means the agreement between a Mobile Food Vendor Operator and the Western Illinois University Scheduling and Event Services Office/ WIU-QC Administrative Staff that authorizes the Mobile Food Vendor to operate on University Premises under specific conditions.
  • University Premises means any property owned, leased, or controlled by the University, including: sidewalks, walkways, buildings, grounds, parking lots, athletic and recreation facilities, and streets - as well as streets and roads adjacent to any property owned, leased, or controlled by the University.
  • University Sponsor refers to a university unit, Registered Student Organizations, University affiliated Professional Organization, or other University organization/entity that wishes to arrange for a Mobile Food Vendor to serve at a special event or activity.

POLICY

SCHEDULING A MOBILE FOOD VENDOR:
  • All reservations to host a Mobile Food Vendor on the campus of Western Illinois University must be registered through the WIU Scheduling and Event Services Office (Macomb Campus), located in the University Union (309) 298-2421 / UnionSES@wiu.edu. Reservations on the WIU-QC Campus should contact the Director of Student Services (309) 762-9481 Ext. 62236
  • All Mobile Food Vendors must be approved two weeks prior to the event by the WIU Office of Scheduling and Event Services or the Director of Student Services on the WIU-QC Campus.
  • A Mobile Food Vendor will only be allowed on campus property if they are requested by a University Sponsor to serve at a special event or activity.
  • Mobile Food Vendors are only allowed outdoors on the campus of Western Illinois University unless otherwise approved.
RESERVATION OF RIGHT:

Western Illinois University retains the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, supplement and/or repeal this Policy at any time. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed as vesting any enforceable right or cause of action in any other person or entity.

INSURANCE & LIABILITY:
  • Mobile Food Vendor Operator is responsible for providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to the WIU Scheduling and Event Services Office, outlining Commercial General Liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The insurance policy shall list the “Western Illinois University Board of Trustees” as an additional insured. The insurance policy shall contain, or be endorsed to state that the operator’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respect to the University. 

In permitting a mobile food vendor on campus, Western Illinois University assumes no responsibility: 

  • For loss of, or damage to, any property placed on the premises by the Mobile Food Vendor Operator.
  • For the loss or damage to any property or personal effects, including motor vehicles and their contents, of the Mobile Food Vendor Operator, its agents, employees, participants, guests or attendees. 
  • For any physical injuries or illness sustained by any individual, or group of individuals, derived from the Mobile Food Vendor vehicle or products being served.
  • The Agreement between the University and the Mobile Food Vendor Operator creates no third-party beneficiaries, and no person or entity, except the Mobile Food Vendor Operator, shall have any rights under the Agreement.
PARKING:
  • Mobile food vendor operators shall comply with all requests from WIU Scheduling and Event Services, WIU-QC Administration, WIU Office of Public Safety (OPS), and WIU Parking Services regarding the safety of the campus and the operations of the university, which includes requests to relocate or to leave University Premises.
  • Mobile Food Vendor vehicles may locate and operate only in locations established and approved by the University. Site approval is a requirement for set-up and operation.  
  • Unless otherwise approved, Mobile Food Vendor vehicles are not permitted to park in residence hall parking lots or lots associated with the University Union on the Macomb, IL Campus.
MOBILE FOOD VENDOR OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Mobile Food Vendor Operators must complete and have on file with the WIU Scheduling and Event Services Office or WIU-QC Student Services Office a “Mobile Food Vendor Agreement” form prior to their arrival to campus property. A Mobile Food Vendor Agreement must be filled out for each campus event where a mobile food vendor is requested.
  • Specific to the WIU-QC Campus where food vendors are contracted for consecutive days or for the same recurring time (i.e. every Tuesday), only one agreement is required to be completed.
  • Mobile Food Vendor Operators must maintain a “self-contained” vehicle with its own power and water sources and cannot connect to a University owned facility or utilize any utility service of the University.  
  • Mobile Food Vendor Operators must possess a valid and up-to-date food service license through the county or state of Illinois.
  • When operating on University Premises, a Mobile Food Vendor must have the ability to present if requested their approved agreement from Western Illinois University and display their designated county and/or state health permit.
  • All Mobile Food Vendor Operators must comply with all fire and life safety codes while on campus. Click here for a food truck fact sheet from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
  • Mobile Food Vendor Operators must adhere to campus policies on official beverage sponsorships (where applicable), alcohol, tobacco, and noise.
  • At the conclusion of the event of activity, the Mobile Food Vendor Operator must remove from University premises all forms of waste, recyclables, and compostable products resulting from their presence and located within 100 feet of their assigned location. 
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT:
  • Mobile Food Vendor Operators are encouraged to provide recyclable or compostable plates, flatware, and packaging.
UNIVERSITY SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • It is the responsibility of the University Sponsor who desires a Mobile Food Vendor on campus for their event or activity to begin the reservation process through the University Union Scheduling and Event Services Office or the WIU-QC Student Services Director.
  • The University Sponsor should work with the Mobile Food Vendor Operator to ensure that all requirements have been met prior to arrival on campus property.
  • If any tables/chairs/trash containers/recycle containers, or additional resources from the University that are needed for the event, these should be requested through the University Union Scheduling and Event Services Office or WIU-QC Student Services Director. Hosts should be aware that added equipment and/services could incur costs. 

RESOURCES

Standards
Forms