Bring Munch to your neighborhood
MEHKO is spreadingMEHKO-style home kitchen laws started in California, but the idea—neighbors cooking for neighbors, with real permits and inspections—is gaining attention nationwide. New counties, cities, and states open programs every year while others are still deciding. We built this page so you can see where conversations are happening and jump straight to official sources when you want to learn more or help good policy move forward where you live.
A county can vote in a pilot today, open applications next quarter, or pause while environmental health builds forms. A state may introduce a bill one session and carry it over the next. That rhythm can feel chaotic—but it also means there are more openings than ever for neighbors who want safe, legal home kitchens and for platforms like Munch that are willing to invest alongside you.
Nothing here is legal advice. Always read the ordinance or bill text, then talk with your local environmental health department before you cook for the public.
Where to watch & how to help
Each row links to an official government or legislature site so you can read primary sources, find hearings, and see what comment periods look like in your area.
- StateWashington State
The 2025–26 legislature is considering SB 5605, which would create a statewide framework for permitting microenterprise home kitchen operations with local health jurisdiction permits and inspections.
How you can help: Follow committee hearings on the official bill page, sign up for alerts from your district legislators, and submit written testimony when windows open.
Washington State Legislature — SB 5605 - StateCalifornia (statewide MEHKO framework)
MEHKO has existed in statute since 2019, but each city or county must still opt in through local ordinances and environmental health programs—adoption speed varies widely.
How you can help: Ask your county board of supervisors and city council to place MEHKO adoption on the agenda, and request a public workshop from environmental health with CDPH materials in hand.
CDPH — Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations - CountyOrange County, California
Community trackers list Orange County among jurisdictions that had not authorized MEHKO programs as of mid-2025—meaning home MEHKO sales are not permitted there until local action is taken.
How you can help: Use the county environmental health portal to understand current retail food programs, then engage the Board of Supervisors through public comment when MEHKO is agendized.
Orange County Health Care Agency — Environmental Health - CityPasadena, California
Independent cities sometimes evaluate their own programs separately from county environmental health. Check city agendas and notices for workshops or ordinances related to home kitchen retail.
How you can help: Monitor City Clerk agendas, speak during public comment, and coordinate with neighbors who want a safe, permitted path for home kitchens.
City of Pasadena — City Clerk (agendas & notices)
Missing your region? Email us through Contact us (Partnerships) with a link to an official agenda, staff report, or bill text and we'll review it for the next update.