Yes, We Have No Bananas: More Fruit Stands for Brooklyn
The city wants Brooklyn to eat its veggies, and it’s pushing legislation that would result in 500 permits for fruit and vegetable carts in Kings County over the next two years. Operation Green Cart is aimed at neighborhoods (mostly low-income) where Health Department surveys show more than 10 percent of adults aren’t eating fruits or…
The city wants Brooklyn to eat its veggies, and it’s pushing legislation that would result in 500 permits for fruit and vegetable carts in Kings County over the next two years. Operation Green Cart is aimed at neighborhoods (mostly low-income) where Health Department surveys show more than 10 percent of adults aren’t eating fruits or vegetables on a daily basis. For example, one city study found that Bedford Stuyvesant and Bushwick have low supplies of fresh produce and low-fat milk. “Access to healthy foods varies widely throughout New York City, and in many lower-income neighborhoods, supermarkets are few and far between. There is demand for fruits and vegetables in these neighborhoods, and this regulatory change will enable the market to meet that demand,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The Green Cart legislation will also provide opportunities for vendors to make a living selling fresh fruits and vegetables in communities where healthy food can be difficult to find.” Sound like a plan?
City Program Brings Produce to Outer Boroughs [Crain’s]
NYC Proposes More Fruit, Vegetable Carts [AP]
Press Release [nyc.gov]
Photo by cameron.
I disagree with 9:48 whole(foods)heartely. I find “organic” fruit bland as they come, for the most part, and some fruit, like organic avocado, inedible. Just because it has that fancy label, doesn’t mean it’s not mass-produced, pre-ripened crap.
I used to be an organic snob because I do believe it’s better for us and our environment not to poison everything with pesticides and genetic modification. But I want my food to taste good too!
And there isn’t a snotty grocer or farmer’s market vendor who can beat my fruit stand man’s papayas, bananas, avocados, mangos or grapefruit (in season only) in terms of flavor. I have no idea where they get their stuff, but it’s worth way more than the overpriced farmers/boutique stuff.
The only thing I get anymore at the fancy ass places are lettuce and heirloom tomatoes (in season), and I only get that at Eli’s where he actually does have flavorful stuff.
I think that it’s a great idea. To 9:48 the fruit cart outside of my office is a handy (and cheap, also agree with 9:28) place for a healthy, quick snack.
I like farmers’ markets too, but let’s face it: they aren’t the most affordable alternative. The quality is good, and maybe their prices better reflect all the factors in growing and transporting food, but in low income neighborhoods, I think that quantity will win out.
Hell, we have to start somewhere!
A noble effort, but I’m not so convinced it will work. My experience has been that the quality of the fruit in those carts is not that great. Not that it’s bad or spoiled or anything–just not that flavorful, like fruit that’s been picked way before ripening. And if the fruit’s not that tasty, then fast food and candy bars will continue to be preferable… I’d rather see a push for more farmers markets–locally grown produce that doesn’t have to travel unripe tastes so much better. (But isn’t always as cheap, I think…)
it would have been nice if the photo was of a Brooklyn-based fruit stand.
Great common sense and whoever thought of this is not a politician nor a doctor. Maybe a lawyer. A banana a day will keep the doctor away. On the whole, this is healthy essential diet for the humankind.
I agree, it is a great idea. Better quality fruits and vegetables are the keys to better health in any community. I applaud Bloomberg’s continued and unique plans to improve the life’s of NYers.
A ClintonHillLady
Yup, very smart. I’m so sick of hearing how healthy food is the bastion of the rich. You can snack on 5 bananas or four apples for a buck.
Sounds like a great plan.