HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Farmer’s Fridge vending machines are now making it easier for personnel here to enjoy healthier food options that are both fresh and ready-to-eat.
The machines were the brainchild of Hanscom’s Community Action Team which has been seeking opportunities to improve available meal choices that address both the Air Force’s renewed focus on warfighter physical wellness and the demand for grab-and-go dining options.
“In order to collect more data and better target our efforts, we conducted a survey on base last year,” said Ebon Alley, 66th Air Base Group Integrated Prevention and Resilience Program director. “The vast majority of respondents requested a greater selection of accessible, healthy food options on the installation.”
Vending machines are located in buildings 1305 and 1614, with additional locations planned for the future.
Items include fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps.
“We were inspired by a similar option already in place at the nearby Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass.,” said Alley.
The refrigerated kiosks provide healthy alternatives in locations where processed snacks have often been the primary option for those with limited time for meals, according to Alley.
Organizers said the initiative aims to address obesity trends and ensure base personnel, particularly active duty members, have convenient access to nutritious food options that support readiness and overall wellness.