
Reimagining NYC’s Street Food Vendor Policies
- foodfightadmin
- May 4, 2023
- Hunger In America
- rsc pages
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Street Vendor Project (SVP) in New York City is working diligently to support street vendors, assisting them in navigating local regulations, operating their businesses safely, and striving for a fairer system. With an estimated 20,000 vendors citywide, SVP represents their collective voices and provides essential services to this diverse community of small business owners.
Comprising of roughly 2,000 members, SVP works with vendors of all types, including those who sell fresh produce and hot meals. Their services include educating vendors about their legal rights, organizing meetings to better understand their needs, and advising on how to expand their businesses. Moreover, SVP actively advocates for policy changes that protect street vendors from fines and other penalties.
Last year SVP played a pivotal role in passing legislation that increased the number of full-time permits available to street vendors : over the next decade, the city has committed to creating more than 4,000 new permits. This change holds immense significance because the number of permits specifically allocated for street food vendors has remained stagnant since the 1980s, with just over 5,000 permits available. Mohamed Attia, Managing Director of SVP, explains that local laws have been hostile towards street vendors, making it challenging for them to operate without risking arrest, hefty fines, and property confiscation.
Attia believes that these restrictions on permits are arbitrary and rooted in xenophobia, particularly targeting vendors who are immigrants of color. SVP investigated the reasoning behind these imposed limits and found no substantial justifications. Instead, they encountered articles denigrating street vendors, with comments disparaging their presence and likening their activities to cities like Istanbul. Attia questions the negativity associated with Istanbul, highlighting its sunny and beautiful characteristics.
The protection of street vendors’ rights is not only crucial for the economic stability of individual entrepreneurs and their families but also for providing access to affordable produce and hot, prepared foods. In areas where people may live more than 30 minutes away from a supermarket, street vendors often become a primary source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items.
Looking ahead, Attia envisions a future where city agencies work collaboratively with street vendors, rather than against them. While formalizing the system and increasing the number of permits is a significant step forward, he emphasizes the need for additional resources and support. Attia calls for workshops and allocated resources to help vendors understand local laws and comply with regulations, recognizing the immense need within the community.