How a Startup is Redefining Fast-Food
From a ‘Farmer’s Fridge’ to Your Table
With an inherent love for fruits and veggies, I have what some people may consider ‘lucky genes.’ A healthy meal is a hearty meal for me and I can effortlessly bypass the siren calls of fast-food chains. The good news is that you could join in on the fun too and quite easily seek refuge in a ‘Farmer’s Fridge.’
Some call the ‘Farmer’s Fridge’ a vending machine. It may operate like one, but the human touch that goes into every chef-driven menu makes it a registered restaurant; perhaps the smallest one in the US to date.
It taps into 3 social issues; with obesity being the most important one. As junk food restaurants have crowded every street and corner, so has obesity the world over. According to the World Health Organization, obesity and overweight kill at least 2.8 million people every year.
Businesses have tried but not succeeded in competing neck to neck with the convenience of fast-food chains. But with the Farmer’s Fridge, things have started taking an exciting turn.
Farmer’s Fridge is a tech-savvy automated smart Fridge network, stacked with freshly made refrigerated food that provides instant access to a healthier meal in population hotspots such as hospitals, universities, schools, airports, office buildings and more. Although still limited to the US, it has scaled up to over 400 outlets across 6 States since its inception. The rapid expansion is hoping to bring in more awareness — redefining the definition of ‘fast-food’ in the process.
From breakfast to lunch and dinner with salads, bowls, snacks, sandwiches, and proteins, the Farmer’s Fridge is not only rich in nutrition but also variety. All you need is to pick your menu, swipe your credit card — and watch as the automated restaurant serves you a healthy, delicious meal that is usually under $7.
On the side of the machine is a cutlery corner, and you can pick up a spoon along with your order. Although all food items are served in plastic jars, Farmer’s Fridge follows a closed loop zero waste policy and contributes to the second issue; i.e. waste mismanagement.
All it requires you to do is dump the empty jar into the machine for recycling and walk away guilt-free for not having choked it down the food pipe of a marine animal.
The Farmer’s Fridge app is interesting too as it puts the locations of these vending machines on the map. Customers can virtually access a Fridge, check inventory and can even reserve food ahead of time.
Food waste is the 3rd issue that’s being addressed. Not only are the outlets restocked daily Monday through Friday, but also the leftovers are being picked up and distributed to community food services to those who need them — thereby effectively cutting food that would otherwise end up as waste.
Fresh, seasonally driven, proper food has never before been as easy to come by, nor as affordable. The Farmer’s Fridge strips you of all excuses to swap your long-term health for momentary convenience.
At a time when startups are losing its true purpose; i.e. to solve a real problem and add value to our societies, Farmer’s Fridge is a clear standout.
After all, who has the heart to say no to fresh, healthy, affordable meals on-the-go that are also delicious and handmade?
I’m game, and rumor has it that they even have the best secret brown bread recipe of an award-winning chef! What’s more, every customer is welcomed to leave genuine feedbacks and contribute to their in-house team for recipe enhancements.
In a world where the global need for healthier and affordable food grows, so will (hopefully) the Farmer’s Fridge.
