Temporary food permit in Tompkins County for a student club
Cornell says a temporary food permit may be required for a club food sale. In Ithaca that permit comes from the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division, and the county publishes clear guidance on when it applies.
Here is the short version for student organizations. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the office named here before you plan around them.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
When the county requires a permit
The county says a temporary food permit is required when food is served to the public at a temporary event, including fundraisers. If an event is advertised to the public through flyers, banners, listservs or any other means, a permit is required, whether food is sold or given away.
Lead time and cost
Apply at least two weeks ahead
The county asks for the application at least two weeks before the event to avoid an expediting fee.
No fee for nonprofit groups
The county states there is no permit fee for not-for-profit organizations and groups.
The bake sale exemption
The county does not treat a bake sale as a temporary event as long as only dry baked goods, such as cookies, brownies and cake, are offered. Cornell still has its own rules on top: bake sales must list ingredients, and food sales need Cornell Dining approval.
Where pre-packaged pre-orders fit
A fundraiser that hands out sealed, vendor-packaged items keeps food handling by the club to a minimum. Still, ask the county's Environmental Health Division whether your advertised pickup counts as a temporary event. Their office line is listed on the county website.
Frequently asked questions
Do Cornell student clubs need a Tompkins County food permit?
A permit is required for food served to the public at a temporary event, including advertised fundraisers, unless an exemption applies. Confirm with the county for your exact plan.
Is there a fee for a temporary food permit for a student organization?
The county says there is no permit fee for not-for-profit organizations and groups.
Does Cornell Craves take a cut of the money?
No. Students pay the club directly through Venmo or Zelle. Cornell Craves never handles or holds the money and takes no fee.
Who can use Cornell Craves?
Clubs must be legitimate Cornell student organizations, and new clubs are reviewed before their first drop goes live. Ordering is for current Cornell students with an @cornell.edu Google account. Cornell Craves is an independent student project and is not run or endorsed by Cornell University. It does not replace any Cornell approval, and each club stays responsible for following university and county rules.
Contact
Questions or want to list a fundraiser? Email [email protected] or message @cornellcraves on Instagram.
Sources
- Tompkins County Whole Health, Environmental Health, Temporary Food Permit (tompkinscountyny.gov)
- Cornell Student and Campus Life, Fundraising and Sales Activity page (scl.cornell.edu/get-involved/campus-events/fundraising-and-sales-activity)
Last reviewed: September 2026.