NEW YORK, N.Y. — Penske Truck Leasing has announced it has reached its first deal to supply an entire fleet with hybrid trucks.

City Harvest, a New York-based food rescue organization that collects excess food and distributes it to the city’s food programs, has turned to Penske for full-service leasing of the hybrid trucks. It is being dubbed the “first-ever green refrigerated truck fleet.”

“Our organization was founded on the notion of using resources wisely,” said Emory Edwards, City Harvest director of food transportation. “We are pleased to partner with Penske in bringing this truck fleet to the streets of New York City and to lead the way in the development of this cutting-edge technology. The trucks will help us to deliver food in a cost-effective manner to New Yorkers in need.”

By the end of 2009, City Harvest will have converted its entire 16-truck fleet to hybrid vehicles, it announced. It’s currently running four International DuraStar hybrids.

“City Harvest is on the leading edge with its commitment to bring a green fleet to New York,” said Joe Cataudella, area vice-president, Penske Truck Leasing, for the New York Metro Area. “By using hybrids they can double their fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by 40%. We are seeing increased demand for these vehicles nationwide due to high fuel costs and our customers’ environmental improvement initiatives.”