Ball State University Dining and University Catering are committed to providing an exceptional and safe culinary experience for our entire campus community. To ensure food safety standards and streamlined logistics, we have revised the Dining/Catering Exclusivity Waiver.
This update introduces new exceptions and essential criteria for hosting external food trucks on campus. Please be advised that Ball State University Dining and University Catering hold the first right of refusal for all campus locations.
1. What’s New: Exceptions to Exclusivity
We understand that small, informal gatherings often require flexibility. The exclusivity clause is now automatically waived (no form required) for:
- Small Orders: Food service totaling less than $60.00 (including tax and delivery).
- Internal "Pitch-ins": Departmental potlucks where staff bring food from home.
- Note: These are "at your own risk." All University-funded supplements must remain under $60.00.
- Specific Items: Small quantities of snacks, beverage-only orders (coffee/soda), or small "grab-and-go" deli/pizza orders for breakout sessions.
2. New Criteria for External Food Trucks
To protect university infrastructure and pedestrian safety, all external food trucks (with the exception of food trucks currently under contract through Business and Auxiliary Concessions Operations) must now follow a formal approval process, regardless of the total spend:
- Pre-Approval: An approved Exclusivity Waiver is required for every food truck event.
- Safety Inspections: Trucks must allow for an on-site inspection by Environmental Health and Safety prior to serving.
- Logistics: * No Grass Parking: Trucks are strictly prohibited from parking on turf or landscaped areas.
- Self-Contained: Vendors must use quiet-run generators and haul away all waste/gray water. Disposal in University storm drains is prohibited.