06 Sep University Dining Made Easy: Why Universities Should Incorporate Vending Machines on Campus
Should universities add vending machines on campus? Coolbreakrooms thinks so.
University dining plays a crucial role in student life, contributing to the overall campus experience and wellbeing of students. But, did you know vending machines are a vital part of the university dining experience? Vending machines keep students happy, healthy, and well-fed, particularly when traditional dining options are not available.
Reasons to Add Vending Machines on Campus
Vending machines have evolved far beyond offering just chips and candy bars. Today, they provide a wide array of satisfying options that cater to the diverse needs of students. Here’s why universities should consider incorporating vending machines across their campuses:
- Accessibility around the clock. Unlike dining halls, which have set hours, vending machines have many benefits. Because they’re open 24/7, whether it’s early morning or late at night, students can grab a quick meal or snack. This is especially useful during finals week or for students working on late-night projects. And for students without transportation, vending machines offer a convenient alternative to off-campus dining.
- Support for All Students. The demographic of college students is changing, with more adults returning to school. These students often have different schedules and dining needs. Vending machines provide flexible food options that can accommodate someone commuting from work to school.
- Combats Food Insecurity. According to Feeding America and research by Harvard, food insecurity is a real problem for many students. Vending machines can bridge the gap, particularly for lower-income students who might otherwise struggle to afford regular meals. For those without a meal plan, vending machines offer an affordable alternative – and it’s much cheaper than food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Vending machines have come a long way since their inception – and so have the food options available within the machines. In fact, they’re the perfect solution for students with time constraints. When they’re up at 2:00am finishing a project they should have started a month ago, vending machines are there. Here are three innovative vending machines Coolbreakrooms believes can help universities provide diverse and convenient options to their students: Farmer’s Fridge™, Just Baked – Smart Bistro™, and Foodture.
Transform Campus Dining with These Innovative Food Vending Machines
Farmer’s Fridge: Fresh, Healthy Vending Machines
Farmer’s Fridge offers healthy, fresh, and compact meals that are perfect for students on the go. These healthy vending machines are stocked with salads and breakfast or lunch bowls, which are ready to eat straight from the jar! Adding a healthy vending machine with food that’s fast, portable, and nutritious is a great way to ensure students always have access to fresh, ready-to-eat food.
Just Baked – Smart Bistro™: Hot, Satisfying, Filling
Just Baked – Smart Bistro delivers hot and satisfying meal options and snacks. With a variety of fun food for everyone – ranging from cinnamon rolls, fajita burritos, and a pack of pork bao – there’s something all students will enjoy. Heated to in-house chef specifications, students can easily choose something that’s delicious and satisfying.
Foodture: AI-Powered Food Vending
Few people miss comfort food more than college students. Foodture is the perfect solution for this. Imagine comfort food with quality ingredients – like teriyaki chicken, pasta with meatballs, or mac and cheese – delivered through innovative robot technology. In just three minutes, students can enjoy a hearty meal that tastes familiar, which is perfect for those days students yearn for home.
Where Should Your Vending Machine be Located on Campus?
To maximize the benefits of vending machines, colleges and universities should place them in high-traffic areas where students spend most of their time – and need a bite to eat. Here are some ideal locations for vending machines on campus:
- Dorm Buildings. Students living on campus will appreciate the convenience of having food options just steps away from their room (that also won’t stink up their dorm by having to use their microwave).
- Gyms/Sports Fields. After a workout or a game, students need quick and healthy options to refuel. A Farmer’s Fridge vending machine would definitely be appreciated.
- Auditoriums/Performance Centers. Long rehearsals and performances often leave students hungry. Vending machines nearby can provide much-needed sustenance.
- Admin Offices. Even in traditional dining areas, vending machines can offer supplementary options for those on tight schedules (including professors!).
- Dining Halls. This may seem ironic, but what better place to put one? If the dining hall is closed, at least a Just Baked – Smart Bistro is available.
- Multiple Spots Across Campus. To ensure all students have access, it’s important to place vending machines in various locations throughout the university. There’s no wrong place to put a tech-forward food vending machine like Foodture on campus.
Need Help Adding Vending Machines to Your Campus? Ask Coolbreakrooms!
Incorporating modern vending machines on campus is a win-win for universities and their students. These machines offer convenience, affordability, and a wide range of food options that cater to the diverse needs of today’s student population. By strategically placing vending machines in high-traffic areas, universities can ensure that all students have access to nutritious food whenever they need it.
Ready to enhance your campus dining experience? Coolbreakrooms can guide you to vending solutions tailored to your university’s needs. Let’s make university dining easier and more accessible for everyone. Need help? Contact us today to get started.