Food Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ has determined that serving 50 or more meals is beyond the scope of ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ responsibilities to ensure proper food handling and food safety. Anytime meals are “Self-Cateredâ€� or purchased and served directly by ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ employees, ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ assumes the responsibility and liability for the food. Caterers that ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ contracts with (pre-approved or when ordered through a requisition) are required to provide proof of their latest heath inspection, certified training in safe food handling/serving, assume the liability for providing their food, and insure the University.
Any meal being prepared and delivered to (Self-Catering) and/or served by a supplier (Catering Service) at a ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ location regardless of the number of people attending the event. This includes meals picked up by individuals and brought to a ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ location. Only preapproved caterers can setup and serve food at a ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ location.
A meal is defined as any cold or hot food being prepared and served at a ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ location including pizza.
No, they are not considered meals and would not fall under the “Food Service� designation. A hospitality form is still required.
No, the list is not closed and any new caterer who meets ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµâ€™s requirements and would like to join can do so. The caterer needs to reach out to ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ Procurement Services by emailing purchasing@csulb.edu to begin the approval process.
No, however, the department will need to submit a requisition for the caterer they are interested in using. The caterer will be vetted by procurement and must meet ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ contracting, insurance, and catering requirements.
Yes.
- Self-Catering Option (49 meals or less): A ProCard may be used for these purchases and is the preferred method. However, Direct Pay and Employee Reimbursement options are also acceptable. An approved hospitality form is required.
- What if a caterer (supplier) requires a contract be signed? If the caterer (supplier) requires a signed contract, you will need to submit a requisition to Procurement Services following the Catering Option identified below.
- Pre-Approved Caterers and Food Trucks (from the pre-approved list): A ProCard is the only approved payment method for any supplier from the pre-approved caterer list.
- Catering Option for 50 meals or more or the caterer is not on the pre-approved list: An approved requisition is required and must be submitted to Procurement Services. Normal payment method is check/EFT, but Procurement Services may authorize a payment exception allowing use of a ProCard. If Procurement Services grants an exception, the department will be notified of the exception.
If the food is being delivered/served at a ÀóÖ¦ÊÓÆµ location, yes the policies apply.
The Food Service policies apply to on-campus food services being performed. Any services being performed off-campus would follow the off-campus services policies including review of any contractual documents by Procurement.