Bake Sales, Potlucks, Class Projects and Self Catered Event Policy

Due to Tacoma/Pierce County Health Departments regulations and University Policy, food and beverage consumed on premise must be provided by Pacific Lutheran University Catering. There are a limited number of circumstances in which food does not have to be provided by Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Catering. These are outlined below:

Bake Sales and Class Projects

Students or organizations wishing to hold bake sales must submit a Notification of Bake Sale form to PLU Catering at least two weeks in advance of the sale.

PLU Clubs, Organizations and Students participating in class projects related to marketing/entrepreneurship may hold bake sales with homemade baked goods that do not require temperature control. The items must be prepared and individually wrapped in a sanitary manner. A clearly visible sign at the point of sale must read, “Food was prepared at a kitchen that is not inspected by the Health Department,” download a PDF here.

Concession Sales

Campus concessions are operated by Campus Restaurants and must comply with Tacoma Pierce County Health Department regulations for operating a temporary food booth. A current copy of the TPCHD permit or courtesy letter is on file with Campus Restaurants.

Potlucks

Potlucks and small group gatherings with user supplied food are acceptable in the following situations:

Note: No alcohol can be served or consumed at any on campus event unless an approved Application for Campus Event with Alcohol is on file with CEVT and PLU Catering is providing food and non alcoholic beverages for the event and alcohol and service of alcohol are contracted with 208 Garfield.

  • Student organization, office, and departmental functions for students, staff, administrators, and faculty of Pacific Lutheran University.
  • These events must be private and may not be advertised or open to the general public and may not include participation from members outside the PLU community.
  • These events may not be located in spaces that can be reserved through EMS, the campus scheduling system, i.e. must be held in departmental offices or suites.
  • These events must be for groups of less than 25 attendees.
  • Recycling and waste from these events must be removed from the event space at the end of the event by the event planner/sponsoring club/organization/department.
  • A clearly visible sign must read, “Food was prepared at a kitchen that is not inspected by the Health Department,” download a PDF here.
  • Alcohol may not be served at these events.

BBQ and Self-Catered Events

Student organizations that choose to cater and serve their own private event must fill out a Request for Self-Catered Event at least two weeks prior to the event.

Please reach out to our staff 4 weeks before your event to walk through options.

Food Worker Card Policy

Groups or organizations must identify at least one constituent that will be certified (by the state of Washington) to handle food, this is a mandatory requirement for students, staff and faculty members to self-cater events. These constituents must take an online course and pass an exam to be certified by Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.  Additionally, any person preparing or serving food must have a valid food worker’s card prior to the event. Copies of valid food worker cards must be submitted to the Catering office within 7 days of the event. To take the online class please visit Tacoma Pierce County Health Department website. There will be a $10.00 fee associated with this course and payment is made via credit card on the website. Certification is immediate and is valid for 2 years from date of issue.

Please review the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department webpage referencing the requirements to operate for temporary events.
Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Guidelines for Events at Schools