There are currently 5,100 permitted food vending carts in New York City, with that number set to increase by 445 each year for the next ten years. Most of these food carts use fossil fuel generators, which emit harmful air and noise pollutants that negatively impact both the environment and vendor health, yet vendors lack clear and affordable alternative technologies to reduce these emissions. This project acknowledges that vendors are not usually invited into conversations around environmental justice, technological innovation, and environmental policymaking, and centers the lived experiences of vendors to prioritize environmental solutions that meet their needs. 

 

In 2021, SVP launched Environmental Justice for Vendors, by Vendors, a collaborative effort to design, build, and ensure access to more environmentally sustainable and healthy vending technology that reduces the environmental footprint of New York City’s food carts and trucks. During the research stage of the program, carried out during 2021 – 2023, SVP engaged vendors and other stakeholders in a collaborative effort to identify more sustainable vending technology and proactively anticipate barriers to scalability and adoption. From 2021-2023 SVP has identified and tested a lithium-ion battery that is effective and long-lasting enough to provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based generators for street vendors. 

 

In 2024, we launched the pilot program by providing this technology to ten vendors and conducting community outreach and education with vendors across the city. This environmental justice program has the potential to vastly reduce the environmental footprint of New York City’s food carts and trucks. The transition to green vending carts will also support vendors’ financial well-being, protect the crucial economic role they play in their communities, and build resilience to extreme weather events. 

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In April 2025, the Street Vendor Project (SVP) released Environmental Justice for Vendors, by Vendors (EJVV), a new report addressing the findings, successes, and path forward for the first grassroots effort to address environmental justice for vendors in New York City. The report details the Street Vendor Project’s initiatives that attempt to implement environmental justice, highlighting SVP’s Environmental Justice Battery Pilot Program. This program surveyed vendors, measured electricity needs, and tested out new rechargeable battery products to determine how they meet vendor needs and contribute to NYC’s environmental and air quality goals.

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Key Findings: 

• 97% of vendors surveyed rely on gasoline-powered generators

• Vendors are chronically exposed to poor air quality: NYC’s ambient pollution and emissions from gasoline-powered generators such as PM2.5, CO, and NOx jeopardize vendors’ health.

• 90% of vendors surveyed expressed interest in alternatives to generators; however, vendors are generally not familiar with affordable alternatives.

• Rechargeable batteries are a feasible near-term solution to replace generators in street food vending. Grid connection remains a long-term goal for vendors despite political and financial challenges.

• Transition from generators to greener alternatives has the potential for significant environmental impact and will require political, financial, and infrastructural support from the city, state, and private sector.

• Accessibility is a challenge as many alternatives to generators have high financial barriers to entry. More financial support is needed to motivate transitions to green technology and ensure vendor empowerment.

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Read the Full Report Environmental Justice for Vendors, by Vendors (EJVV)

Access the Summary of Key Findings

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