Boris Miranda and his parents have been selling fruit and vegetables for 12 years with a rented permit from a stand on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. Now for the first time, Miranda requested permission to have a ‘green cart’ or green cart.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for people who are looking to start their business, start their own business and become independent from other jobs,” said Miranda.
The Department of Health has expanded the green cart initiative to sell vegetables and fruits in certain New York City neighborhoods.
They have a thousand temporary permits. Of those, 750 are for operating carts and the remaining 250 for trucks.
“They can offer bottled water, also fruits and vegetables that have been previously cut into slices. They can also offer nuts that do not have added salt or sugar,” explained Pedro Frisneda, spokesman for the Department of Health.
Frisneda added that this program, in addition to offering the opportunity to have a small business, also brings these products to neighborhoods that do not usually have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
“It is necessary to bring these types of products, fruits and vegetables that are nutritious, that are healthy, and that help people to have better health,” Frisneda said.
But… Sabina Morales, had a green cart in Jamaica and says that she is doubtful that this could be a good business opportunity, because in the areas they select there is no demand.
Sabina.
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“So, it doesn’t suit us, because sometimes 20, 30 maximum up to 50 dollars were sold. Then one had to take out of the bag to pay for transportation and the merchandise was spoiled,” Morales said.
These carts can operate in southern Queens, in Far Rockaway and Jamaica, north of Brooklyn in Bushwick, Crown Heights and surrounding areas. In upper Manhattan and south of the Bronx.
To apply for a green cart you need to have a valid street vendor license. To apply you can call 311 or visit this city website nyc.gov/nycbusiness.
Once with the street vendor license, the ‘green cart’ is requested. Here on this website you will find the information.
The deadline is April 30.
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