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Smart Growth America cultivates vibrant, sustainable communities with diverse living and transportation options, enhancing quality of life for all.

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Green Carts | New York, NY

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Green Carts | New York, NY

Nutritious food is a basic necessity. Without it, obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and other diet-related diseases climb rapidly within a population. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 23.5 million people live in “food deserts” where access to fresh, healthy, and affordable foods is extremely limited. Over half are in low-income households.

New York City is one of the most walkable, transit friendly, vibrant cities in the world, yet it too faces the dilemma of food deserts. To combat the problem, Mayor Mike Bloomberg instituted programs to attract supermarkets to underserved areas through zoning and financial incentives, provide summer meals for children, and offer “health bucks” — coupons to buy produce at farmers markets. The effort also included the Green Carts initiative — mobile carts that sell fruits and vegetables in neighborhoods with limited choices.