A healthy cart is a food cart that sells fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Through Get Healthy Philly, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health developed the governmental and community infrastructure to support a citywide Healthy Cart Program.
The program provided cart owners with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) machines to accept food stamps, business training, and food safety training to operate municipally-sanctioned fresh produce stands in low-income communities.
During the pilot year (March 2011 – March 2012), Get Healthy Philly launched
seven carts and distributed over 1000 educational materials in communities
across Philadelphia.
The pilot year has ended and the carts are now being managed by partner organizations.
Where can I find healthy carts in Philadelphia?
Anthony’s Produce Galleria
St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital
3601 A Street
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Mondays – Thursdays, 9 am-5 pm, year round
Shar-Nel’s Farmer’s Market
North 21st Street and West Susquehanna Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm, April – November
Malcolm X Park
52nd Street and Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Mondays – Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm, June – August
Kensington Food Co-op
Kensington Library
104 West Dauphin Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
Kingsessing Recreation Center
4901 Kingsessing Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2 pm-6 pm, April – October
Trios
342 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Sundays – Saturdays, 10 am-7 pm, April – October
Preston’s Paradise
Lancaster Avenue between 37th and 40th Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19104
How can I start a healthy cart?
Healthy Food Carts help serve communities with low access to fresh fruits and vegetables and can be a great way to support new businesses. Organizations like hospitals, churches, and community centers offer a built-in audience to help make the cart a success.
If you are interested in learning more about starting a healthy cart in your community, view the resources below or contact Sara Solomon, Get Healthy Philly Program Manager, at 215-685-5252.
Resources
Getting Started: Food Safety Guide for Healthy Cart Vendors
Food Service Plan Review Application
Mobile Vending Application
Food License Application (Licenses & Inspections)
Sidewalk Sales Application
Application for Pro Bono Legal Services
Small Business Technical Assistance Services
Applying for a C-Store Loan
