Healthy Corner Stores Network

New York Times, April 18, 2012.

New York City’s Green Carts Initiative is part of the city’s strategy–along with its Healthy Bodegas Initiative–to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas. “Since 2008, the city has made provisions to authorize 1,000 new permits for street vendors who can sell only raw fruits and vegetables in areas of the city that have been designated as in need of them.” A new film, The Apple Pushers, explores the challenges these vendors face. Becoming a vendor of a mobile cart is less expensive than the start up costs for opening a brick and mortar store, and vendors can access low interest loans. Successful vendors tend to be resourceful, able to secure a good location, and build relationships with their customers. Other cities across the country are considering starting similar programs. The article goes on to describe other strategies for improving access to healthy foods in underserved areas.