DAADC’s Mobile Food Court Van Scheme – Gujarat: Helping Food Entrepreneurs & Serving Clean Meals on Wheels

Gujarat is known for both its growing industries and its vibrant food culture. From Kathiyawadi cuisine to Gujarati thalis, from snacks like dhokla and khandvi to rapidly emerging modern street food, the state has always had a rich culinary tradition. Street food plays a major role in the livelihood of thousands of families and contributes significantly to the state’s cultural and economic identity.

To support this sector and modernize street vending, the Government of Gujarat launched the Mobile Food Court Van Scheme through the Dholera Aaiyog and Allied Development Corporation (DAADC). The initiative helps vendors shift from traditional roadside setups to modern, hygienic, mobile food vans equipped with kitchen facilities.

This scheme not only improves financial and social stability for vendors but also promotes safe and standardized food distribution across cities and towns. As mobile food courts and quick-service restaurants grow in demand, the DAADC scheme is helping Gujarat build a future-ready food entrepreneurship ecosystem.


🌟 What Is the Mobile Food Court Van Scheme?

The Mobile Food Court Van Scheme (DAADC) provides financial and setup support to individuals who want to start a mobile food business. The assistance may include loans or subsidies to purchase a fully equipped food truck that enables entrepreneurs to offer clean and affordable food while maintaining hygiene standards.

The model supports:

  • New food startups
  • Young entrepreneurs
  • Women self-help groups
  • Street vendors wanting to upgrade their stalls
  • Existing food businesses seeking expansion

The initiative aligns with national missions like Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, while also contributing to job creation across the state.

📌 Official DAADC Website:
https://www.dholeraauthority.com/ (for related announcements and program updates)


🎯 Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme is designed to support multiple economic and social goals:

✔ Support Food Entrepreneurship

Encouraging women, youth and job seekers to start and scale their own food businesses.

✔ Promote Hygienic & Safe Street Food

Transitioning from unregulated roadside stalls to standardized and clean food vans.

✔ Create Employment

Food vans create many direct and indirect jobs in:

  • Cooking
  • Packaging
  • Delivery
  • Procurement
  • Marketing

✔ Strengthen Local Economies

Food vans support small businesses such as:

  • Vegetable and dairy suppliers
  • Farmers
  • Utensil and gas vendors
  • Packaging manufacturers

🚐 Why Mobile Food Vans Are the Future of the Food Industry

Mobile food businesses are quickly becoming the fastest-growing segment of the world’s food service industry. In Gujarat, food vans are ideal for:

  • Tourist areas
  • Business districts
  • IT parks
  • Temples and fairs
  • College areas
  • Industrial zones & SEZs

Benefits of Mobile Food Vans

🟢 Affordable to start
🟢 No shop rent required
🟢 Ability to move to high-demand areas
🟢 Higher profit margins than typical stalls
🟢 Popular among youth and tourists


👤 Eligibility Criteria

Although criteria may vary by notification, the scheme generally covers:

CategoryRequirement
Age18 years or above
ResidencyGujarat resident
Entrepreneur categoryStartups / existing food businesses / street vendors
SkillsBasic food business knowledge (preferred)
DocumentsValid ID, bank account, business plan
PreferenceWomen, SHGs, SC/ST/OBC, Divyang individuals, COVID-affected food workers

The scheme supports individuals, partnerships and self-help groups.


📌 Key Features of the Mobile Food Court Van Scheme

FeatureDescription
Scheme typeLoan/financial support for food business
Use of loanPurchase/fabrication of a food van
Van setupKitchen space, burners, chimney, freezer, wash unit, racks & safety systems
Type of businessVeg & non-veg food models allowed as per rules
RepaymentEMI structure
Additional supportTraining/business guidance (if applicable)

💰 Loan & Financial Assistance

Actual loan/subsidy structure may vary, but typically includes:

Support Format

  • Loan assistance to buy a food van
  • Subsidy for eligible groups
  • Low-interest lending
  • Flexible EMI repayment
  • Collateral-free loans for beneficiaries under special categories

Cost Coverage May Include:

  • Food van fabrication
  • Interior kitchen installation
  • Branding & menu display
  • Fire safety system
  • Water tank & storage

📄 Documents Required

✔ Aadhaar Card
✔ Residential proof (Ration Card / Electricity bill / Voter ID)
✔ Bank passbook
✔ Passport-size photos
✔ Caste certificate (if applicable)
✔ Business plan/proposal
✔ Quote for food van fabrication
✔ Food handler certificate (if available)


🧾 Application Process (General Flow)

1️⃣ Collect the Latest Notification

Notifications are commonly published on:
🔗 District Industries Centre (DIC)
https://dic.gujarat.gov.in/

🔗 DAADC Portal
https://www.dholeraauthority.com/

🔗 MSME Gujarat
https://msme.gujarat.gov.in/

2️⃣ Fill Application Form

Online or offline as instructed.

3️⃣ Attach Documents

Submit proposal + quotation and supporting certificates.

4️⃣ Verification

Authorities verify:

  • Eligibility
  • Business viability
  • Vendor quotation

5️⃣ Loan / Subsidy Approval

6️⃣ Purchase Food Van & Start Operations

Business starts after meeting food safety standards and FSSAI guidelines.

🔗 FSSAI Food Safety Standards
https://www.fssai.gov.in/


🍽 Expected Business Outcomes for Beneficiaries

Once the van starts:

  • Steady daily customer base
  • Higher earning potential
  • Hiring of 1–3 workers
  • Chance to expand into a local franchise
  • Partnership with delivery apps like Swiggy/Zomato later

Some food van entrepreneurs eventually grow into:

  • Restaurant chains
  • Multi-van businesses
  • Family catering ventures

🌍 Impact of the Scheme on Gujarat’s Food Sector

The scheme has encouraged:

  • Hygienic food vending practices
  • Dignity and respect for small vendors
  • Higher income stability
  • Promotion of Gujarati cuisine
  • Interest from youth, women and tourists

Many women entrepreneurs now run successful food vans across business districts and tourist spots.


Challenges & Improvements Suggested

Existing IssueSuggested Solution
Low awareness in remote districtsMore publicity campaigns
Difficulty getting bank loansDedicated help desks
Lack of business experienceFood safety & marketing workshops
Parking concernsDedicated food van zones
Competition at prime areasRotation-based location permits

🔮 Future Vision of the Scheme

The Gujarat government’s long-term goal includes:
✨ Food truck clusters at tourist locations
✨ Women-led food van networks
✨ Dedicated zones in IT parks & universities
✨ Integration with e-payments & digital menus
✨ Food vans sourcing directly from farmers
✨ Seasonal festival & cultural event participation

The scheme has potential to grow across India and shape a new era of street-food modernization.


Conclusion

The Mobile Food Court Van Scheme – DAADC Gujarat is more than a loan program. It is a mission to:

🔹 Empower street vendors
🔹 Build new-age food entrepreneurs
🔹 Improve hygiene & safety in public food systems
🔹 Provide sustainable earning opportunities

By making food business setup affordable and dignified, the scheme empowers:

  • Youth
  • Women
  • Small vendors
  • Job seekers
  • Families in need of income stability

Gujarat isn’t just building food vans — it is building dreams, dignity and a modern food culture.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Do I need prior experience to start a food van under this scheme?
No. Cooking/business experience is helpful but not mandatory.

2️⃣ Can women apply?
Yes — women and SHGs are strongly encouraged.

3️⃣ Are collateral-free loans available?
Yes — for eligible beneficiaries under special categories.

4️⃣ Does the scheme cover food equipment inside the van?
Yes — fabrication & kitchen setup may be included depending on loan terms.

5️⃣ Can existing restaurant owners apply?
Yes — the scheme is open to new and existing businesses.