Update on AB2315
Thank you again for standing with us in support of AB 2315 and the effort to make the MEHKO program available statewide.
Over the past several months, we've worked alongside an incredible coalition of community organizations, advocates, and entrepreneurs who share a belief that every Californian should have the same opportunity to earn income through a safe, legal home-based food business.
The current county-by-county approach to MEHKO implementation was always intended to be a starting point for a new model, not a permanent feature. After years of demonstrated success, it is clear that the program has outgrown the temporary framework that launched it. Today, access to this opportunity depends entirely on where someone lives, making MEHKOs the only retail food program in California that is not available statewide by default.
AB 2315 had a simple goal: ensuring that access to the MEHKO program no longer depends on where someone lives.
After careful consideration, our coalition made the strategic decision to table this year's effort and return next session with a stronger and more comprehensive approach. While our commitment to statewide access remains unchanged, we believe the best path forward is to use this time to expand our coalition and develop legislation that more fully advances opportunity for home-based food entrepreneurs.
In the months ahead, we will be focused on building the broad, diverse coalition needed to secure statewide access to the MEHKO program. Whether you are an entrepreneur, community organization, advocate, researcher, public official, or simply someone who believes in economic justice, we invite you to join us.
If you would like to be involved in this effort, please fill out this form.
We believe government has a duty to meet people where they are. While the MEHKO program represented an enormous step forward in creating new pathways to entrepreneurship, its promise remains out of reach for too many Californians. Join us in building a future where home kitchen opportunity is available to all!