Special Organization Licensing

Special Organizations Serving Meals License

A special organization is a church, service club or fraternal, youth, patriotic or civic organization that may invite the public to “meals” at the church or club facility for 3 days or less a year are exempt from licensing. 

Licensing required to serve meals to the public at your church or club are as follows:

  • 4 to 12 days a year, a special organization license
  • More than 12 days, a restaurant license

“Meals”, do not include a meal that is incidental to normal activities intended exclusively for members of the particular special organization nor does it include a meal served in conjunction with a church worship service, such as a funeral or wedding or to persons who attend that service.

Requirements of a Special Organization License (ATCP 75.110)

  1. The organization must follow the food safety rules of Chapter 1 through 7 of the Wisconsin Food Code, Chapter ATCP 75 Appendix.
  2.  Kitchen equipment does not need to meet commercial standards.  You may use residential sinks, refrigerators, freezers and mechanical dishwashing machines.  Dishpans may be used to accomplish the final sanitizing rinse when cleaning equipment and utensils.
  3. The organization must have at least one individual who personally supervises meal preparation and serving.  The supervisor must be trained in food handling with a minimum of 2 hours of instruction in the following subjects:
  • Temperature control of potentially hazardous food during preparation
  • Food storage
  • Transportation and serving
  • Effective cleaning and sanitizing of utensils and equipment
  • Storage of utensils and equipment
  • Food worker personal hygiene; effective handwashing techniques 
  • Food worker health
  • Prevention of foodborne illness 
  • Safe food sources
  • The storage and the use of toxic products.

REHA recommends the supervisor take a Food Safety Training for Small Operators course.  Information about course providers may be found at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) web site at DATCP Certified Food Managers and Handlers.  You may also meet the training requirements by completing REHA Temporary Food Stand class and self-study test found under the Transients/Temporary Food Events tab.   

How do I count my organization’s 3 days of exempt meal service?

Example: A church invites the public to two fish fry dinners at their church and then holds a brat sale at the grocery store (3 days of meals).  What is required to serve food on a 4th day?

  • Another meal offered to the public at the church will require a special organization license.  With the special organization license, the church may serve meals from 4 to 12 days at the church.  Any more meals served at the church that year will require a restaurant license. 
  •  Another meal served at a grocery store, farmers market or other community event will require a temporary food stand license.  Once the church has a temporary food stand license, it can serve an unlimited number of days per year at community events.