Green Carts are micro businesses that bring fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods to neighborhoods of New York City where access to healthy food may be limited.
Green Carts can sell whole, uncut raw fruits and vegetables, bottled drinking water, plain nuts, and pre-packaged cut fruits and vegetables.
You don’t need to own a store or have prior experience — just a mobile cart, a license, and a commitment to follow health and safety rules.
You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply for a Green Cart permit. However, once you begin selling fruits and vegetables as a Green Cart vendor, you’ll be considered self-employed. That means you’re required to report your earnings and pay taxes on the income you make, just like any other small business owner.
Also Read: How to Start a Business if You Are an Undocumented Immigrant
There are few licenses available for Green Cart vendors, and it may take months or years to receive the opportunity to apply. In fact, the waitlist is only open to vendors who want to operate in Brooklyn, The Bronx and Staten Island. Green carts are only allowed in specific locations; you can find a list of these permitted areas here.
Get a mobile food vending license
To apply to operate a Green Cart, you must have a Mobile Food Vending License. The cost is $50 for the license. The approval process can take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on appointment availability and background check time.
You also must complete the Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors, a food safety training required by law. The course covers safe food handling, sanitation, and health code rules. It’s available in English, Spanish, and Chinese (both online and in-person). After finishing, you must pass a short test to receive your certificate.
Get more details at the DOHMH Mobile Food Vendor License page or call 311 and ask for “Mobile Food Vending License”.
Get on the Green Cart waiting list
There are only 1,000 Green Cart permits available in NYC. You can apply here to join the Green Cart waiting list. Already applied? You can check your spot in line here.
If you have a disability, you may receive priority placement on the Green Cart waiting list.
Requirements for a Green Cart permit
Once you submit your Green Cart waiting list application, the NYC Department of Health will contact you to confirm your place on the list.
When your name is selected from the waiting list, the Health Department will mail you a permit application, and you’ll have 30 days to send it back with all required documents. So, it’s best to have everything ready ahead of time.
- Clearance letter (OATH): Proves you owe no unpaid fines. Request it by emailing a completed OATH Food Vendor Invoice Search Request Form to vendorinquiry@oath.nyc.gov.
- Sales tax certificate of authority: Must be issued within the last 90 days by New York State Business Express. You can apply for one here. You’ll need to create a NY.gov account and fill out an application with basic business information such as your name, business address, and tax ID (SSN or ITIN). Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate ID number that must appear on your Green Cart permit application.
- Workers’ compensation and disability insurance: Required if you have employees. If you’ll work alone, file a CE-200 exemption form online.
- Commissary or storage agreement: You must clean and store your cart in an approved commissary or NYC Health Department–approved facility. To find one, check the Mobile Food Vending Commissary Map.
You’ll present these documents at your pre-permit inspection. Missing paperwork or deadlines can cause delays or loss of your place on the list.
How much does it cost to get a Green Cart permit?
Once you’re offered a Green Cart permit, it costs $75 and is valid for two years. Every two years, you’ll need to renew your Mobile Food Vending License for $50, pay a $10 Tax Clearance Fee, and renew your Green Cart Permit for $50.
