Later this month, New York City will begin a pilot program encompassing 500 eco-friendly food carts with the main goal being to encourage vendors to produce cleaner food and reduce air pollution.
MOVE Systems, a local startup company, is responsible for the new program which aims to provide alternative energy sources for mobile food businesses.
Obviously, New York City is a perfect choice to roll out a program for food trucks, as there are a plethora throughout the city.
In an official statement, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said, “Small business owners like food cart vendors, are the backbone of New York City’s economy and the fabric of our neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot and thank MOVE Systems for this important effort.”
The MRV100 is the new cart that will be utilized, which features solar power, alternative fuel, and batteries as opposed to gas.
The 500 cart fleet is being fully funded through donations and private capital so that the MRV100’s can be provided free to the vendors who are interested in participating in the initiative.
Expect to see the first eco-friendly food carts sometime after Memorial Day as permits and waiting lists are expected to push back the launch date a bit.
