08/28/2026
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding my recent experience providing food service at the data center located off I-80 East Service Road
I have provided food service at several data centers and continue to serve at another data center. Throughout my experience, I have never encountered conditions comparable to those at this location. My concerns extend beyond convenience or business preferences; they involve sanitation, food safety, preparation conditions, and the ability of vendors to serve employees safely and effectively.
When I arrived at the facility, electrical power was unavailable. Power was not restored until approximately 10:40 a.m., despite vendors being scheduled to begin service at 11:00 a.m. This provided insufficient time to prepare and establish the food service area properly and safely.
I was then expected to bring food inside and place it in warming equipment that was not connected to power. I do not believe food should be placed in equipment that is not operational, particularly when maintaining safe food temperatures is essential to protecting consumers.
Additionally, no rolling table or cart was available to transport food safely from our trailer to the serving area inside the tent. This created an unnecessary burden for our staff and significantly complicated the setup process.
Another serious concern is the absence of basic hand-washing facilities. Vendors are expected to comply with strict food-safety requirements, including access to proper hand-washing facilities and running water. However, this location did not provide running water or a hand-washing sink for vendors.
My food truck is self-contained and equipped with running water and hand-washing capabilities. I brought it to ensure that I could maintain appropriate sanitation standards and serve employees safely. I was disappointed that there was an issue with my bringing the food truck, particularly when the facility itself did not provide the basic resources necessary for safe food service.
At one point, gloves were available for use. However, after I explained that I could not safely operate under the conditions provided, the gloves were reportedly removed or concealed. Regardless of the reason, removing access to basic protective supplies during food preparation and service is highly concerning.
Fooda charges vendors a 25% fee on their sales, while vendors remain responsible for preparing food and serving employees. Given this arrangement, vendors should receive reasonable operational support and be provided with a safe, sanitary, and functional environment in which to work. If Fooda receives 25% of a vendor’s sales, it should ensure that vendors have access to essential resources, including running water and appropriate hand-washing facilities, particularly when vendors are discouraged or prohibited from bringing their food trucks and are unable to cook on-site.
I have attached my invoice for reference, which reflects that Fooda earned over $600 from my sales during this service. Despite receiving this substantial fee, the facility did not provide the basic resources necessary to support safe food preparation and service.
I want to emphasize that I am familiar with the requirements of working at data centers. I currently provide food service at another data center, where the expectations and facilities are substantially different. Vendors are permitted to bring their food units, and the environment is much more conducive to serving employees safely and efficiently.
My primary concern is the safety of the employees consuming the food, as well as the safety of the workers preparing and serving it. Vendors should not be placed in a position where they must choose between serving customers and adhering to basic food-safety practices.
I have contacted the health department regarding this matter and would appreciate guidance on any additional agencies, departments,or representatives I should contact to report these concerns and seek appropriate follow-up.
