Catering
All food and beverage services must be approved in advance during the reservation request process, abide by UNF Food Regulations, and support University contracts.
The Student Union does not make catering reservations on behalf of clients. Contact vendors directly to make arrangements.
Food and beverages must be paid for by the reserving organization (a buyout), or be provided at no charge to participants. Sales are not permitted, except as part of UNF Department and Student Organization fundraisers, or if a buyout is arranged through the University's On-Campus Food Vendors.
Advance delivery of food/beverage and catering supplies must be approved through the Student Union. All supplies must be removed by the reservation end time unless an extension has been approved.
- On-Campus Food Vendors
- Off-Campus Food Vendors
- Homemade Food
- Pre-Packaged, Individually Wrapped, Non-Perishable Products
- Temporary Food Event Permits
- Alcohol
- Catering Prep Space
On-Campus Food Vendors
The University has two vendors with food service licenses on campus. Use of these vendors does not require a Temporary Food Event Permit.
Off-Campus Food Vendors
If not using an on-campus caterer, the vendor must be on the University's licensed and registered off-campus food vendor list. This includes food trucks.
Licensed and Registered Food Vendors
Additional caterers may be added to the list with appropriate documentation, including a copy of the caterer’s current Health Operating License and liability insurance. Food trucks must also provide a copy of current automotive insurance.
A Temporary Food Event Permit may be required depending upon where the food is being served and to whom (open to the public vs. closed/invite only).
Retail sales are not permitted; your organization must buyout the food vendor and serve the items to attendees at no charge.
Refer to Environmental Health and Safety's Food Regulations for additional information.
Homemade Food
Foods that are being served to an invited, closed group, such as a department office party or members-only club meeting, may be homemade.
Homemade food sold for fundraisers, or served at open meetings/events/tabling, or distributed at no charge for advertisement or recruiting purposes must comply with the Florida Cottage Food Act or obtain a Temporary Food Event Permit.
Pre-Packaged, Individually Wrapped, Non-Perishable Products
Food and beverage products that are pre-packaged, individually wrapped, and non-perishable may be distributed at no charge during any type of reservation, and can be purchased through any retailer, which does not have to be on the Licensed and Registered Food Vendor List.
These are the only type of food items permitted during tabling reservations. Examples include:
- Bottled shelf-stable drinks (Only Pepsi and Red Bull beverage products may be distributed on campus.)
- Packaged candy bars
- Individual bags of chips
Perishable items like pizza, donuts, or popsicles, do not fall within this category; such items must comply with Food Regulations for Off-Campus Food Vendors and Temporary Food Event Permits.
Temporary Food Event Permits
A permit through the Florida Department of Health may be required when using off-campus food vendors or homemade food. The permit cost (usually $150) must be paid by the client.
A permit is not required for these situations:
- Food from UNF Dining Services or Mayes Food Service
- Food trucks
- Food served at closed, invite-only meetings and events
- Admission is charged to attend
- Participants complete an activity, such as a passport checked off or Osprey 1Card swiped, in order to receive the food
- Participants register 3 days in advance to participate in food aspect
Alcohol
Reservations with alcohol must comply with UNF's Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and Alcohol Guidelines.
UNF Dining Services has right of first refusal for alcohol service in the Carlucci Ballroom. Mayes Food Service has right of first refusal for alcohol service on the J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater.
UNF Student Organizations and University Departments must receive approval to serve alcohol through the Alcoholic Beverage Approval Form.
Alcoholic Beverage Approval Form
External Groups must receive approval to have alcohol as part of the fully executed Facilities Use Agreement.
Clients are responsible for any costs associated with security, fencing, port-a-potties, etc. that may be required for alcohol events.
Catering Prep Space
Clients may request to use the Catering Prep Space as part of a meeting or event reservation. A rental fee is assessed to External Groups and UNF Departments, and to UNF Student Organizations hosting ticketed events.
The Catering Prep Space is a preparation area for catering purposes only. It does not have warming, refrigeration, or cooking capabilities. The space contains test kits and sinks for sanitation, rinsing, and handwashing.
