Vancouver-based UpMeals, a healthy vending company, announced that it has partnered with Simon Fraser University to install its smart vender at the Burnaby campus this fall.
SFU will install its first UpMeals SmartVending machine at the West Mall Centre, one of the busiest locations on the Burnaby campus, with plans for more machines in the future. The installation will coincide with the move back to in-person classes and services on campus.
UpMeals said its machine will provide 24/7 access to healthy, sustainable meal options for students. It regards its vending solution as an alternative to costly meal delivery services and restaurants in the area.
The machine's menu will be curated based on a focused survey provided to groups of students identifying the types of cuisine they would like to see. Details of the survey will include dietary and cuisine preferences and eating habits, UpMeals said.
In related news, UpMeals said it has acquired Grubgrab, a digital meal subscription service geared toward post secondary students. Grubgrab had previously engaged UpMeals to support in centralizing their food sourcing under the Grubgrab brand.
UpMeals said the the COVID-19 pandemic forced Grubgrab to pivot to make access points safe, facilitating the acquisition.
Grubgrab cofounders Rohan Siyal and Jovan Choongh are recent post secondary graduates and will support in integrating UpMeals with student initiative programs, hosting various events and integrating UpMeals solutions into the culture of the university.
