LOS ANGELES COUNTY — November 5, 2026. Los Angeles County is launching its inaugural LA MEHKO Week, November 9–15, to introduce diners to legally permitted home-based food businesses. The week will feature special menus and promotions, alongside a searchable map to help residents discover cooks near them. Local reporting identifies more than 70 participating kitchens, spanning communities from Lancaster and Palmdale to the South Bay.

Free community kickoff on November 7

The county says a free kickoff will run Saturday, November 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Community Event Center, 12645 Wadsworth Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059. Organizers expect food-related programming, community partners and information for aspiring entrepreneurs. County public health and economic opportunity officials will discuss how permitted home kitchens operate.

What is a MEHKO?

MEHKO stands for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation. These are permitted home kitchens that can prepare and sell meals under a county-approved framework; this is not a blanket exemption from food-safety or local requirements. For customers, the important distinction is between registered food entrepreneurs and an unlicensed anonymous listing. Participants may have different arrangements for collection, delivery or dining, so check individual profiles and ordering requirements.

Why this matters beyond central Los Angeles

For small food businesses in Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, the San Gabriel Valley and other neighborhoods, a countywide showcase can help new customers find operators who often lack a conventional storefront. Residents can use the published directory to find businesses by area and cuisine.

Sources: Los Angeles County official announcement; LAist report; event directory at MEHKO Week. Confirm individual opening days and permits with the operators.

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