If you want to use a catering option other than UVM Dining Services or an approved caterer, you will need to complete a catering waiver in EMS. Please review the below examples to determine if your event requires a waiver.

Events That Require a Waiver

• Using donated food for a specific event
• Fund raising and selling food for a group/cause
• Providing food (potluck) for a specific event that is open to non-members of a group or department
• Events using food trucks or other food vendors who are not approved caterers
• Concession requests

Note: A $50 fee per vendor, per event will apply when requesting to use a caterer that is not already approved by UVM. In addition, you will be responsible for providing a copy of the caterer's certificate of insurance meeting UVM's requirements, and a copy of their state board of health license to operate.

Events That Do Not Require a Waiver

• Events held off-campus (i.e. area hotels and event locations, UVM Colchester Offices, Fort Ethan Allen, off-campus Extension offices)
• Departments and Student Groups requesting a potluck or BBQ event for their group that is only open to members of that group; (self-prepared items by the members of the group); using either UVM or non-UVM funds
• Trainings or Meetings for students and staff that are only open to members of that group providing individually prepackaged snack items (chips, snack bars, bottled/canned beverages) purchased from grocery store
  Note: full meals need to use UVM Dining or an approved caterer
• Mosaic Center for Students of Color monthly breakfasts; using either UVM or non-UVM funds
• Hillel Friday night Shabbat Dinners held throughout the academic year
• Rescue Squad: Purchase of food from grocery stores for the squad members who are on duty (year around)

Note: If you are more than two weeks from your event date, you should submit your catering waiver request through EMS. If you are less than two weeks from your event date, you must call our team. 

Any events serving alcohol require approval. Refer to the following UVM policies for information regarding how to obtain approval: "Alcohol Policy - Faculty and Staff" and "Alcohol, Cannabis and other Drug Use - Students". UVM Dining is the exclusive provider of alcohol on campus.