In 2008, NYC introduced permits for street vendors to sell fresh produce in food deserts, aiming to improve public health and support vendors. However, the program has faced challenges, with a significant waitlist and complex application process causing delays. Many vendors struggle with the high costs of operating within regulations, leading to low profits or losses. Some vendors, like Ernesto Garcia, had to close their businesses due to financial challenges. Advocates are urging the city to streamline the permitting process and address these issues to support vendors and improve access to fresh produce in underserved communities.
In 2008, the New York City health department introduced 1,000 permits for street vendors to sell fresh fruits and vegetables in areas with limited access to healthy food. However, as of May, only 149 vendors held these Green Carts permits, while 1,445 were on a waitlist for a chance to apply for the remaining permits. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the bureaucratic process and delays for prospective vendors.
The Green Carts program was initially praised as a public health initiative to provide fresh produce in underserved communities. Over the years, the gap between promises and delivery has widened, with a significant number of vendors waiting for permits. The waitlist was briefly reopened in 2022, but it has since been closed off. Advocates have urged the city to streamline the application process and permit legal vending, especially as more migrants turn to street vending.
The health department has made efforts to speed up the application process, including issuing more applications at once. However, many vendors face challenges due to the high costs of running a perishable food business within the department’s regulations. Green Carts permits are allocated by boroughs and come with specific operational requirements, making it difficult for vendors to comply.
One vendor, Ernesto Garcia, shared his experience of spending over $36,000 to start a Green Carts business with his mother in the Bronx. Despite their efforts, they struggled to make a profit due to the high operating costs and limited earnings. Eventually, they had to close their business due to financial losses.
Other vendors, like Adelaida Simon Carrasco, have also faced challenges in deciding whether to pursue a Green Carts permit. Simon Carrasco, who had been selling prepared food, ultimately chose not to apply for a produce permit due to concerns about profitability. The seasonal nature of fruit sales and the restrictions on holding multiple permits have also deterred some vendors from pursuing Green Carts permits.
Moving forward, there are calls for the city to address the barriers that vendors face in obtaining Green Carts permits. Streamlining the application process, reducing operating costs, and providing support for vendors could help more individuals access opportunities for legal street vending. Despite the challenges, vendors like Garcia remain hopeful about returning to the Green Carts program in the future and learning from their experiences to build successful businesses.
Source: TheCity.NYC
