Food & Beverages

It is easy and cost-effective to order food from PSUeats and the University Market. They can deliver to any building on campus. If your event is in Smith or the Viking Pavilion, you will need special permission to use an external caterer. Permission is given only in certain circumstances. Please discuss with your advisor. 

You can find the PSUeats order form and the University Market order form in the SALP Admin Club. You do not have to fill out an RTSM as well.

• If you need a quote for your OBC budget request, fill out the order form and submit the pdf of your request for the required documentation in your budget request form. Your request will not be approved by your advisor until the budget is approved.

If you are planning to serve the food with volunteers, at least one person for every three servers from your group needs to have an Oregon Food Handlers Card.

External Catering Request Process:

As a reminder: You must request an external catering approval in order to have outside catering for your event.  

An external catering request allows you purchase food for an event from an outside (not Portland State Catering) vendor for an event in Smith Student Union, Viking Pavilion, or University Place. Effective in 2023, for food safety compliance, SALP is now requesting that all student groups using non-Portland State Catering options for any building, submit this external catering form. Ask you advisor or coordinator for the link to the form. 

What you need to consider if requesting to use an outside caterer:

• • The caterer must provide documentation that they have a county health permit, and proof of liability insurance (at least one million dollars in coverage) .

  • Depending on the nature of your event, you may be required to obtain a Temporary Restaurant License from Multnomah County. See below for more information.

  • All Multnomah County Health standards must be upheld (this may mean that a caterer must be present to serve the food).

  • Portland State Catering is not able to provide service ware, staffing, or clean-up for an outside caterer. This needs to be provided by the contracted caterer.

  • Due to liability concerns, Portland State Catering may not be able to provide supplemental food or drinks for an event catered by an outside vendor.

Multnomah County is requiring that every group having outside catering at an event must apply for a Temporary Food Event Permit through Multnomah County. 

Please contact and work with your advisor to complete and submit this form. There is no cost to you: SALP has already paid the annual cost.  

Since your organization will be using an outside caterer, you'll have to get the caterer's signature on the temporary restaurant license certifying that they have used their facilities to handle and prepare all of the food that will be consumed at your event. 

This form must be signed and delivered to your advisor at least 7 business days prior to the event.  

Make sure to schedule an appointment with your advisor to review before then so that your advisor can get this to the County on time. There is a fee associated with any late forms.

If you are planning to serve the food with volunteers, at least one person for every three servers from your group needs to have an Oregon Food Handlers Card.

The PDF below outlines what each section of the temporary restaurant license application means and what information is important when filling out the form.

• • Temporary Restaurant License Application Instructions

Below is the application form. This form needs to be filled out in conjunction with your advisor. Please make sure to schedule an appointment with your advisor to review.

• • Single Event Temporary Restaurant License Application

This PDF outlines all of the requirements that are necessary for your group to be able to provide food to the public, such as sanitation and food temperature controls.

• • Temporary Restaurant Operator Requirements

Here are some FAQs regarding the temporary restaurant license and temporary food facilities.

• • Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Food Facilities

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, it is best to reach out to your advisor and the County staff directly; see below for the County's contact information:

Multnomah County Environmental Health

847 NE 19th Ave, Ste 350

Portland, Oregon

503.988.3400

Fax: 503.988.5844

foodsafety@multco.us