Food is often a natural part of many events and meetings that an organization may host. It is possible to serve food at your event, but it can take some extra time and planning, as any formal event or meeting held on campus must follow the University's policies on food service. Please read this website thoroughly and let our office know if you have any questions.

In general, food service policies on campus are split into two categories - whether the event or meeting will be closed to a select group of attendees, or if food service will be open, whether that means it's open to the UW Tacoma community or the public at large. Closed food events do not require permitting and most limitations on food do not apply, though standards of cleanliness are always encouraged in university space. Open food events will require a Temporary Food Service permit from UW Environmental Health and Safety, and food safety standards applied to food workers will apply to how the food is served.

Closed food events could be:

  • Meetings of an academic department (e.g. "Math majors only")
  • An office party
  • A meeting consisting only of an RSO's officers

Open food events could include:

  • An RSO event open to campus
  • RSO general meetings
  • Any event advertised to the public that has food

Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines for Food

Can I serve food at an event on campus?

Yes; although the Covid-19 Prevention guidelines have been updated by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety in order to ensure participant health and wellness during the program.  

For the full plan, please visit and read the Eating and Drinking Guidance for Covid-19 Prevention for more information.  You can find some frequently asked questions with answers below.

Why are there Covid-19 Prevention guidelines for eating and drinking at events?

The UW Face Covering Policy allows individuals to unmask when actively eating and drinking in appropriate places. When face coverings are removed for eating and drinking an individual will release more respiratory droplets and small particles (aerosols) while chewing, breathing, laughing, and speaking. If a person is infected with COVID-19, the respiratory droplets and aerosols they exhale can contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus which have the potential to expose others.

How can I have food at my event under the current policies?

In order to ensure the safety and wellness of all event participants, there are certain event logistics and regulations that should be followed by event organizers including:

  • When possible, choose to host your event where eating and drinking may occur where there is natural or mechanical ventilation, in order of preference:
    • outdoors when possible;
    •  at a food establishment or unit or department designated eating/drinking space,
    • as a last resort, with unmasked time minimized to a short duration, in an open building space where you can distance at least 6 feet from others.
  • Events with food present should reserve a space for attendees to eat separately from the main activity of the event.  For example, an organization should schedule one location for a workshop, while the lunch provided would be scheduled in another location. 
  • Attendees should be encouraged to limit the amount of time your face covering is removed for eating/drinking and put it back on when they are not actively eating/drinking. Event organizers should be prepared to limit any socializing while unmasked.
  • Practice good hand hygiene. Encourage attendees to wash or sanitize hands before and after eating, touching their mask, touching their face, and touching high-touch surfaces.
  • Events with food should work to choose location that allow seating to be set at a socially-distanced standard
What are my options for purchasing or providing food to attendees?
  • Use a UW Tacoma Preferred Caterer
    • Caterers can provide single-serving options that are prepackaged and distributed individually to attendees 
    • Caterers can also provide buffets, but buffets must be served by the Caterer
  • Provide single-serving and prepackaged items from a Caterer or business
    • Each items should be individually packaged in order to be handed to one person 
    • Student organizations and their members should not be preparing items at home and packaging them themselves
  • No homemade food items, even if prepackaged, can be provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a potluck for UW Tacoma attendees, with a separate area of pre-packaged foods for non-UW Tacoma guests?

No; if there will be any non-UWT guests present, you may not host a potluck. See above for your serving options at events with non-UWT guests.

How do I know if the restaurant I want to use is licensed to cater?

Just because a food vendor isn't listed on the UWT Preferred Catering list doesn't mean they aren't licensed. Refer to this list of licensed caterers in Pierce County. If the establishment you wish to work with is listed here, odds are good you can use them at your event.

The food vendor I am working with is not on the preferred catering list AND they are not licensed as a caterer.

If you are set on working with a particular caterer, they may be able to apply for a Temporary Food Establishment Permit through Pierce County. It is essential to read the requirements and deadlines carefully; this is not a last-minute option. There will also be an additional fee involved that you or the vendor will need to pay.

How do I get my food handler's permit?

You can take the Pierce County Food Worker Card training online, at a kiosk or in person. There is a fee, which is each individual's responsibility. 

Can I serve alcohol at our RSO event?

If you are interested in serving alcohol at an RSO event, please contact our office by sending an email to uwtclubs@uw.edu. A meeting with our office to discuss your event will be required. Please refer to this website for more information on serving alcohol at your event.