Farmer’s Fridge sells restaurant-quality salads and snacks and donates all of the unsold food at the end of each day to a local food pantry.
The trend to eat clean is growing in popularity by the day, which is why Luke Saunders of Chicago was inspired to found an innovative type of vending machine that serves only healthy fare and treats.
Saunders founded Farmer’s Fridge, which is a healthy vending machine that sells exclusively organic, restaurant-quality salads and snacks. This first of many kiosks was placed in a dreary food court and was an almost immediate hit.
The rustic-looking yet modern vending machine is made from reclaimed wood and is surrounded by real plants with a carpet of artificial grass. Every morning at 10 a.m., the kiosk is stocked with an array of fresh salads and snacks (mostly organic) prepared shortly before at a nearby kitchen.
Excitingly, whatever is left at the end of the day gets donated to a local food pantry.
Saunders envisioned the idea when he was traveling for his former corporate job and was burdened by not being able to obtain healthy, organic produce from popular fast food chains. He decided he needed to “be the change,” therefore, followed through with the plan to found Farmer’s Fridge.
My realization was that I could make fresh food and put it in a vending machine without adding any preservatives or other junk and it would taste good. We want everything to be in the running for ‘the best salad I ever had’. If it’s not that good, we’re not going to put it in there.”
Saunders
Farmer’s Fridge protects the quality and integrity of the food by staying away from items that don’t lend themselves to staying fresh and tasty in a refrigerated vending machine. That means there are no sandwiches, but plenty of salads and sides packed into recyclable plastic jars.
The ingredients in each product are stacked in an order specifically intended to keep the salad fresh: greens on top, cheeses and water-retaining fruits on the bottom, nuts in the middle.
The result is a diverse menu that ranges from “The Cheater,” a modified classic Cobb salad, to “The Junk Food Eraser,” a detox salad stuffed full of kale, quinoa, sprouts, fennel, blueberries and pineapple with a cider vinegar-lemons dressing on the side.
Other items, such as lemon-pepper chicken tuna and tofu are also available.
Benefit of eating Salad
Eating salad offers numerous health benefits due to its typically high content of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious ingredients. Here are some key advantages:
- Rich in Nutrients: Salads can be a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ingredients like leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale), tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers provide essential nutrients that support various bodily functions.
- High in Fiber: Many salad ingredients are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Fiber aids in maintaining bowel regularity and can help prevent constipation. It also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can assist with weight management.
- Supports Weight Loss: Salads, especially those without heavy dressings or high-calorie additions, tend to be low in calories but high in volume thanks to their water and fiber content. This combination helps you feel full while consuming fewer calories compared to higher-calorie meals.
- Heart Health: Leafy greens and other vegetables contain compounds that can contribute to heart health by helping reduce blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving arterial function. Additionally, using healthy fats like avocado or olive oil in salads can further benefit heart health.
- Boosts Hydration: Due to the high water content in many vegetables, salads can contribute to your daily fluid intake, supporting hydration, which is important for overall health and well-being.
- Improves Skin Health: The vitamins and antioxidants found in fresh produce can promote healthier skin. For example, vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production, while beta-carotene (found in carrots and sweet potatoes) can improve skin health and protect against sun damage.
- Increases Vegetable Intake: Incorporating salads into your diet is an easy way to increase your vegetable consumption, helping meet recommended daily intakes. Eating a variety of vegetables ensures a diverse nutrient profile.
While salads offer these benefits, it’s important to be mindful of what goes into them. Opting for lighter dressings, avoiding excessive amounts of high-fat toppings, and including a wide range of colorful vegetables will maximize the health benefits of your salad.