Orange County prides itself on being a hub of innovation and opportunity. From the small business corridors of Anaheim to the bustling restaurant scene in Santa Ana and Irvine, we know the power of entrepreneurship to fuel local economies. But when it comes to one of the most promising and low-cost pathways to economic mobility, Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO), Orange County is lagging behind.The MEHKO program, already successfully implemented in Los Angeles County and several others across California, allows home cooks to legally prepare and sell meals from their own kitchens. It’s a simple concept with profound results. It empowers residents, especially women, immigrants, and families with limited access to traditional employment, to transform their culinary skills into sustainable income streams.At the Tiyya Foundation and our social enterprise restaurant, Flavors from Afar, we’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative this opportunity can be. Three of our culinary program participants have successfully obtained MEHKO licenses in Los Angeles County, allowing them to operate safely, legally, and independently. These are women who came to this country as refugees and immigrants, many with years of experience cooking for their families and communities. For them, food is culture, memory, and identity. The MEHKO program provided the bridge to turn that passion into a profession, empowering them to build self-sustaining lives in their new communities.In Orange County, however, these same women face unnecessary barriers. Without a MEHKO ordinance, they are prohibited from earning income through home-based food sales unless they open costly commercial kitchens, something entirely out of reach for most low-income or newly arrived families. Potential entrepreneurs are forced into informal work, limiting their growth and leaving the county without the economic, cultural, and tax benefits that microbusinesses generate.The irony is that Orange County already invests heavily in workforce development and small business programs. Yet here we are, missing one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to help residents build self-sufficiency. MEHKO is a proven, regulated framework that’s working across the state. Los Angeles County has demonstrated that home kitchens can operate safely and responsibly under the oversight of local health departments. The data is clear: when implemented with thoughtful health standards and training, MEHKO creates jobs, supports families, and uplifts entire neighborhoods.Approving MEHKO would also make economic sense for the county. These home businesses purchase ingredients from local grocers, source packaging from nearby suppliers, and eventually hire others as they grow. It’s a multiplier effect. In LA County, we’ve seen cooks evolve from home-based operations into catering companies, food trucks, and even brick-and-mortar restaurants. Each success story begins with a single permit.Moreover, the MEHKO program aligns perfectly with the goals of inclusive economic growth. It supports women entrepreneurs, mothers balancing childcare, and refugees taking their first step toward financial independence. For many families we serve at Tiyya, MEHKO could mean the difference between instability and a steady income.
When Orange County supports its home cooks, it supports innovation at the grassroots level. It nurtures creativity, celebrates cultural diversity, and promotes a more resilient economy. MEHKO is giving people a dignified path to work, independence, and belonging.The question before the Board of Supervisors is simple: Will Orange County choose to keep pace with our neighboring counties? The infrastructure is already there. The public health model is tested. The demand is evident. What’s missing is political will.Approving MEHKO would send a powerful message: that Orange County believes in the ingenuity of its residents, that we value entrepreneurship in all forms, and that we are ready to lead on small business innovation.At Tiyya and Flavors from Afar, we stand ready to support the county in implementing this program safely and effectively, alongside our partners at the OC MEHKO Coalition including COOK Alliance, CAMEO Network and CIELO. Our mission has always been to create pathways to opportunity for families rebuilding their lives. MEHKO is one of the most effective tools to do exactly that.
Shukry Cattan is the Orange County Executive Director. A child of displaced Palestinians, he has extensive experience in resettlement, and has worked with the International Rescue Committee and the UCLA Labor Center. His deep understanding of worker justice and labor unions informs his advocacy for displaced communities. He plays a vital role in overseeing Tiyya’s programming and community partnerships, ensuring the organization’s growth and success.