Value-Added

Value-added foods are products that have been transformed from their original state, changing their form, flavor, blend, or substance. Think of fresh fruit turned into jam, or raw ingredients blended into a special sauce.

Value-Added Vendors include:

  • Cottage Food producers: Those making specific non-potentially hazardous foods in their home kitchens under the Texas Cottage Food Law (e.g., most baked goods, jams, candies).

  • Other prepared foods made in a certified commercial kitchen (e.g., salsa, hummus, kombucha, baked goods that don't fall under cottage food, "to-go" food, food made on-site).

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The Application Process

The Application Process

Our application is an online-only process. All interested applicants must complete the following:

  1. Read the Market Rules

  2. Submit an application Be as transparent and detailed as possible about your operation's methods, ingredients and philosophy.

  3. Our committee reviews applications twice a month. We alert all applicants the status—approved or not—within 14 business days of submission.

You can find a FAQ at the bottom of this page. If you have any further questions, reach out to us here>

We value honesty and a commitment to local, sustainable systems.

Types & Requirements

  • Cottage Food

    The Texas Cottage Food Law allows individuals to produce certain low-risk, non-potentially hazardous foods in their home kitchens without requiring a GCHD’s permit.

    Requirements are to have labeling that includes a "made in a home kitchen" disclaimer.

    Examples: Baked goods (without cream fillings), jams/jellies, & some acidified or fermented products.

  • Packaged Foods

    Packaged foods that do not follow Cottage Food must come from an approved, permitted kitchen or food manufacturing facility.

    Requirements are proof of certified kitchen, Food Handler’s Certification, and depending on the product, GCHD’s Farmers Market Permit.

    Examples: bottled drinks, pre-packaged shelf-stable snacks

  • To-Go Food or Food Made On-site

    "Food Made On-site" involves cooking or preparing food at the market. "To-Go Food" refers to pre-packaged, ready-to-eat items not prepared on-site, like bottled drinks or pre-made sandwiches.

    Both of these require a Food Handler’s Certicate & GCHD’s Farmers Market Permit.

    Examples: Freshly squeeze lemonade, frozen meals, on-site breakfast booth

“Holy Guacamole! Love this jewel in Galveston.”

— Leslie G.