Food/Catering at Events

In accordance with the University's contractual agreement, PSU Dining is granted the exclusive right to operate and provide daily and catered food services in Smith Memorial Student Union, Ondine, and the Meetro. 

However, Portland State University reserves the right to approve occasional catered special events and ethnic food events that are sponsored by students, staff, or faculty in the Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU).  In order to receive an exception, a department or student organization must fill out a food waiver request.  A $20 cleaning fee will be assessed for all events using outside catering.  In accordance with Multnomah County Health Office all outside caterers are required to have a current business license and proof of insurance.

Private meetings (consisting only of members of a recognized PSU organization), brown bags, potlucks, and bake sales DO NOT NEED to get special permission. 

Bake sales must display a prominent sign with the following message: "Food served at this location may not have been inspected by Multnomah County Health Office.  Items were not prepared in a licensed kitchen. Eat at your own risk". 

Definitions:

Potluck: Any event in which food is supplied by members of a small fraternal organization for the consumption of members of that organization only (for closed events with less than 100 people).  Food service which is open to non-members and/or the general public will not be considered a potluck.

Brownbag: Any event in which there is no organized food service, but in which attendees may or may not bring their own food for their own personal consumption.

Bake Sale: An event in which baked goods (dough based products with high sugar content) are sold to the public in a fund-raising capacity.