LA28 has opened applications for the LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program, described as the largest integration of food trucks and mobile vendors of its kind, which will give hundreds of small and local food businesses from across the Los Angeles region the opportunity to serve spectators during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Applications are open from Sept. 10 through Nov. 16 on RAMPLA.
"The Games are an extraordinary opportunity to show the world what makes Los Angeles special while creating meaningful opportunities for the local businesses that make this city what it is," said Reynold Hoover, LA28 chief executive officer. "From neighborhood favorites to food trucks and family-run businesses, we want millions of visitors to experience the L.A. that Angelenos know and love — and give the entrepreneurs behind those businesses a platform to grow well beyond 2028."
Through the program, LA28 will select hundreds of small food businesses from across the region to serve spectators at competition venue zones and non-competition venues. The initiative supports LA28's broader procurement targets to direct 75% of addressable procurement spend to businesses in the Los Angeles region and 25% to small businesses. The program is designed to work alongside LA28's official sponsors and operators, combining their expertise and support with the creativity and authenticity of local businesses.
The program marks the first time in Olympic and Paralympic Games history that local small and micro businesses, such as food trucks, festival-style pop-ups and food carts, will play a central role in the Games food and beverage strategy.
Across the Games as a whole, the broader food and beverage operation is expected to deliver more than 17 million meals, all of which will meet a variety of needs while incorporating more sustainable choices.
Selected vendors will receive more than a place within the 2028 Games. LA28 and its partners will provide mentoring and tools to help them prepare for Games-time operations and pursue growth beyond 2028. Support will include strategies to scale production, strengthen financial models, navigate insurance and permitting requirements, and refine inventory, staffing and logistics.
Vendor applications and instructions can be found on www.rampla.org/s/ starting Sept. 10 and running through Nov. 16.
Edited by SMDP Staff