SD Food Policy Action Network
Green Carts - Mobile Vendors of Fresh Produce
In NYC, they have thought one step ahead about how mobile vendors can improve access to healthy fresh food. They have issued special permits for and instituted programs to encourage GREEN CARTS. Shouldn't we?
In New York City they have experienced few or no problems, but the San Diego permitting system assumes that mobile carts are selling cut (processed) produces and cost $______, which is prohibitively expensive.
Proposal: To increase availability of raw produce, green carts, or mobile produce stands should be allowed and encouraged. In San Diego County, there should be a specialized permit process for the selling of whole fruits and vegetables. We recommend this streamlined permit cost be reduced or eliminated.
IN THE NEWS:
Cities all over the country are considering how mobile food vendors contribute to economic and cultural vitality. Recently, both San Francisco and Oakland reviewed their policies and reduced permit costs for mobile food vendors (2). Inspired by small-scale entrepreneurs innovating in a time of economic crisis, restaurant franchises (big chains) are trying to get in on it and the business pundits are taking note (3).
References & Links:
1. Check out the Green Carts programs in New York City on the city government site. Here's the amendment to city health code, and here is Mayor Bloomberg's press release.
2. SF Chronicle Tuesday, November 9, 2010, "Proposed S.F. Rule Would Aid Street Vendors."
3. The Wall Street Journal published several articles about food carts recently, including "Big Chains Try Food Trucks," "Restaurant Franchises Try Truckin' as a Way to Grow," and "Taco Truck Parks in Boutique Space."
In New York City they have experienced few or no problems, but the San Diego permitting system assumes that mobile carts are selling cut (processed) produces and cost $______, which is prohibitively expensive.
Proposal: To increase availability of raw produce, green carts, or mobile produce stands should be allowed and encouraged. In San Diego County, there should be a specialized permit process for the selling of whole fruits and vegetables. We recommend this streamlined permit cost be reduced or eliminated.
IN THE NEWS:
Cities all over the country are considering how mobile food vendors contribute to economic and cultural vitality. Recently, both San Francisco and Oakland reviewed their policies and reduced permit costs for mobile food vendors (2). Inspired by small-scale entrepreneurs innovating in a time of economic crisis, restaurant franchises (big chains) are trying to get in on it and the business pundits are taking note (3).
References & Links:
1. Check out the Green Carts programs in New York City on the city government site. Here's the amendment to city health code, and here is Mayor Bloomberg's press release.
2. SF Chronicle Tuesday, November 9, 2010, "Proposed S.F. Rule Would Aid Street Vendors."
3. The Wall Street Journal published several articles about food carts recently, including "Big Chains Try Food Trucks," "Restaurant Franchises Try Truckin' as a Way to Grow," and "Taco Truck Parks in Boutique Space."
