The underground economy of unlicensed bakers

Cottage food industry

The cottage food industry is different in all 50 states as the National Food Justice movement gains traction across the country. States are expanding laws that allow people to sell homemade food from their kitchens. Wondering what different states allow? Check the map for information on the particular rules and regulations for local areas.

The Food Justice movement makes it possible for home bakers — without commercial equipment, business loans or retail space — to earn a steady income from their home ovens. These bakers drive a quiet, homemade food economy, showing up at farmers markets, food co-ops and even roadside bakery stands.

Who can sell?

So, who can do this? In some states, anyone with a clean kitchen and a compliant recipe list can get started. Bakers begin by selling extras from their weekly bakes, then scale up when demand grows. For stay-at-home parents, retirees or those who want a flexible side income, baking from home is a low-obstacle way to earn extra money while doing something they love.

What they’re selling

Bakers and home cooks can sell a myriad of homegrown and homemade foods. Each state has its own rules and regulations on what can be sold. Be sure to visit the Institute for Justice website and check by clicking on your state for information.

Oftentimes, people make and sell cookies, cake slices, bread, sourdough, jam and jellies, pickles and so much more. Fresh eggs, produce and dairy products are all surefire hits to sell in a market or roadside stand. Limited seasonal specials — like peach cobbler bars or pumpkin cinnamon rolls — tend to fly off the shelf.

Where to sell

Many bakers sell weekly at their local farmers market, where regular customers line up early for fresh sourdough loaves, pastries and seasonal pies. Others join food co-ops, food clubs or community food hubs that specialize in organic, handmade and homegrown products.

A quick look at Instagram under the hashtag #roadsidebakery will prove that a growing number of bakers are taking things roadside. They’re reviving the old-fashioned farmstand with fresh bread stacked next to eggs, produce or jars of jam — all paid for by the honor system or Venmo.

Successful selling

A great way to begin the journey is by using social media. Share beautiful home-baked goods and show your followers the wins along your baking journey. Don’t forget the fails — no one is perfect. Ask for suggestions on what to make next. And if you’re really into selling locally, you should dial in on the people in your area. Use hashtags such as #roadsidebakery and tag your local area to gain exposure to local fans.

Share your journey — each documented step will bring in more customers. As you plan what markets to attend or if you want to build that roadside stall, share what you’re doing. Ask for input, which makes your soon-to-be customers think of you often throughout their days.

Why they sell

Why do they do it? For many, it starts with the joy of making and sharing good food. But it quickly becomes more than that as they discover that the earnings can make a real difference. Ask a group of cottage food industry sellers and you’ll get many reasons why they sell on the side of the road or in markets.

Small roadside stands or markets make a real difference in food deserts. Small pockets of fresh food scattered across backroads, small towns, food clubs and so on make a huge difference in providing everyone access to fresh foods.

The bottom line

Whether it’s a side hustle, a full-time dream or you just want to cover the cost of your baking habit, the cottage food movement is a great way to get started. More people than ever are finding creative ways to share produce and baked goods while connecting with their communities. And they do it all without the overhead of a storefront.

If you shop at a roadside stand for fresh bread, homegrown eggs or seasonal specialties, you’re supporting something bigger than just a bake sale. You’re helping sustain a dream and add a fresh food option where none existed before.

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own small baking or homegrown food business, now is the perfect time to connect with customers and set up that folding table. The way to your dreams becoming reality has been paved for you — all you need to do is take the first step. The question is, will you?