Fresh Now, a company started in 2014 and located in Vancouver, Canada, has succeeded in profitably offering plant-based foods, such as fresh salads packed with quinoa, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and homemade dressings, in vending machines reports the Vancouver Sun. The owner, Haely Lindau, has placed eight vending machines in a number of office buildings and schools over the last few years. The meals, which come in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, include wraps, chilis, soups and salads. The foods cost $3 to $8, although Lindau is working on more $2 items for schools.
The four person Fresh Now staff make the food in small batches each morning, and it is delivered to the vending machines at 9am. Each machine features an elevator delivery system so food is lowered and not dropped. The machines also accept credit cards. The website also features an option for micro markets.
