LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – A Lexington nonprofit has launched a vending machine that offers 24-hour access to fresh, hot meals as part of its initiative to combat food insecurity in the community.
FoodChain installed its Nori Machine outside its West Sixth Street location nearly a week ago. The nonprofit partnered with The Nori Project, based in Louisville, to bring the technology to Lexington.
The machine offers restaurant-quality meals that are stored cold and heated in about 60 seconds. Most of the meals cost $7.50 and are available to anyone who walks by. Customers can pay with credit or debit cards, and SNAP EBT cards are also accepted.
Round-the-clock food access
FoodChain typically opens its doors for hot meal handouts only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Co-Executive Director Leandra Forman said the vending machine addresses the reality that hunger doesn’t follow a schedule…