Free Vending Machine Stocked With Quality Groceries Opens In The Bronx To Feed Families – AfroTech
A vending machine has opened to feed families in The Bronx.
According to a report from the New York State Department of Health in January 2024, among New York City boroughs, The Bronx had the highest percentage (39%) of people who were food insecure. Challenges may have only heightened after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were halted during the recent U.S. government shutdown, as AFROTECH™ previously reported.
Although benefits were restored, estimates from the Congressional Budget Office report that, as a result of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, 2.4 million people could lose SNAP benefits altogether between 2025 and 2034. The bill adjusted requirements for those receiving SNAP, and now individuals will have to work, volunteer, or participate in job training totaling at least 80 hours per month, CNN reports. If they don’t meet the requirement, they can only receive SNAP benefits for three months every three years.
Change Food For Good, a New York City-based STEM nonprofit that has served over 15,500 pounds of free food to more than 1,300 people, is filling a gap for families during this time of need, according to its website. Change Food For Good has opened a free vending machine — in partnership with Chipotle Mexican Grill, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission, and the nonprofit’s Good Food for All program — in The Bronx at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, according to information on the nonprofit’s Instagram.
“With rising grocery prices affecting everyone, we truly hope that this machine can help families that need it but also, that changemakers, community organizations, and activists can take this model for free food distribution and run with it,” the nonprofit said in the Instagram post.
The vending machine is restocked up to twice a month and offers eggs, fruit, vegetables, and other quality grocery items, Newsweek reports. There is no limit at this time on how many items can be taken from the machine. People can also scan a QR code to place requests for specific food items that are not currently stocked.
“I think it’s awesome. Because we need it right now, times are hard,” a woman who used the vending machine told News 12, according to Newsweek.
Samia Lemfadli, Change Food For Good’s founder, is looking to build relationships and scale the project to new areas, per the outlet.
