Update: Food Vending in San Francisco's Mission District

Starting on May 2nd 2025, Nuestra Causa heard from concerned food vendors in the Mission District regarding some unexpected requests by San Francisco City Officials with the Department of Emergency Management, and the Department of Public Works to move their legacy operations. This understandably caused fear, questions, and concerns within the vending community. Through our initial inquiries, we observed that the City and County of San Francisco is currently in the process of refining its approach to food vending regulations. It appears that the specifics of these policies and any related programs are still being developed and have not yet been formally communicated to the vendors or the community at large.

Subsequently, we also received reports of city officials removing legacy fruit vendors at a well-known intersection 24th and Mission. While referencing existing city guidelines related to Department of Public Works ordinances, this interaction was different from any past interaction, it was the first of its kind. We firmly believe that as new policies are considered and rolled out, it is crucial to ensure clarity and open communication with vendors regarding expectations and procedures.

At Nuestra Causa, we've been proactively organizing food vendors since the summer of 2024, anticipating the need for collective action as new policies take shape. We currently work with over 40 dedicated food vendors who have voted to come together to navigate this evolving situation. These individuals are vital contributors to our cultural economy, and many come from marginalized communities already facing federal challenges. It's imperative that any new regulations are implemented fairly and equitably, protecting those who are most vulnerable.

We are pleased to report that these vendors are working closely with Nuestra Causa and are aligned with the values of the Mission Street Vendors Association (MSVA). Our collective goal is straightforward: establish the rules clearly, ensure all vendors understand them, commit to following them, and ultimately, safeguard our vibrant cultural economy.

We believe in a future where food vending can thrive in San Francisco, contributing to the city's unique character and providing economic opportunities for many. However, this can only be achieved through transparency, clear communication, and a commitment to equitable implementation.

Stay tuned to our website for further updates as we continue to work with the city and our community of food vendors to ensure a fair and sustainable path forward.