Abstract: This apparatus provides a means of sealing a plastic film cover over the open end of a plastic food container to render the container airtight and suitable for storage in a dispensing machine. The apparatus is self-contained and includes a base which carries a resiliently mounted support frame for the container, and a spindle-less dispensing frame for the film. A lever arm is pivotally mounted to the base rearwardly of the container support frame for swinging movement toward and away from the support frame. The lever carries a heat sealing head located forwardly of the pivot mounting for alignment with the container during heat sealing, and a cutter located rearwardly of the heat sealing head for clamping and severing the film adjacent the container support frame just prior to heat sealing. The heat sealing head includes a platen having peripheral margin portions registrable with the container flanges and grooved to provide improved heat sealing of the film to the container.