SoBRO: South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

The Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation (DBAF) announced that SoBRO will participate in their new Green Carts Microenterprise Intermediary Program. DBAF and SoBRO—which received lead agency designation for the program—have a twofold purpose for the program: to provide fresh produce to the City’s low-income “food deserts” and to offer entrepreneurial opportunities for those interested in operating Green Carts.

As the lead Community Based Organization (Lead CBO) for DBAF’s Green Carts program, SoBRO will engage in several activities designed to help these micro-entrepreneurs. Advising vendors on optimal cart locations, liaising with local businesses and police precincts, marketing assistance, and sourcing the best produce at the lowest prices will all be activities included in Green Cart program.

Partners for Deutsche Bank’s program include Karp Resources, the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, Vamos Unidos, and the Local Development Corporation of East New York.

New York City started the Green Carts program in 2008 in response to widespread shortages of supermarkets and groceries, particularly in low-income communities that have the highest levels of diet-related diseases. To combat this, the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy worked with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to create 1,000 new vending permits that allow a new crop of food entrepreneurs to operate mobile food carts that that offer fresh produce (only raw produce, not frozen or processed) in the underserved areas. The City, along with the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, has been providing resources for technical and financial assistance during the start-up phase.

The City’s motto for the program is simple and true, and provides inspiration for those groups with a vested interest in the success of the Green Carts: “People Who Eat Fruits and Vegetables are Healthier.” SoBRO has no doubt that this innovative program has the potential to improve the lives of countless South Bronx and New York City residents.

For more information about the Deutsche Bank’s commitment to the communities in which they work, visit www.community.db.com. For more information about SoBRO, visit www.sobro.org or contact us directly with the information provided below. For more information on NYC’s Green Carts initiative, visit the program’s website.