In Independents Hall in Philadelphia — a co-working space for independent and freelance workers — I spotted this vending machine by a company called Snack Like a Local. The tagline on the vending machine reads “Farmers Market in a Vending Machine.”
Inside the vending machine, which looked like it needed to be refilled soon, there were all sorts of snacks from local companies. Several of the items were out of Lancaster County (known as Pennsylvania Amish Country) that’s about a 40-minute drive outside of the city. Metropolitan Bakery’s granola bar is made right in the city. A sign on the wall indicated that usually the Philadelphia region’s famous Tastykakes can also be found in the machine. Many of the beverages are from local vendors also.
I think this is a great idea. While not every snack in the machine was healthy, there were definitely some better choices than what you’d find in a regular vending machine. I like that the foods going into this machine come from smaller, local producers instead of the big snack company’s foods.
What’s your take on a vending machine filled with local snacks? Good idea?