This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s April 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
In March, Ward Melville saw a new addition to its culinary options: the Farmer’s Fridge vending machine. Farmer’s Fridge vending machines offer nutritious, farm-fresh meals, such as chicken wraps, Greek salads, Thai noodles, pesto pasta, chia seed pudding and more. Farmer’s Fridge employees come to locations and restock their Farmer’s Fridges with food sourced from local farms.
Depending on the respective location’s chosen plan or “status” of bronze, silver or gold, the frequency of restocks will vary to meet demands. According to Ms. Howard, a member of Ward Melville’s Wellness Committee, the immense popularity of the vending machine has led the committee to switch Ward Melville’s fridge from silver status to gold status. In its first few weeks, the vending machine’s popularity meant it was often out of stock, but the gold status will mean a greater quantity of food items available. Additionally, customers are able to indicate on the machine if they want an item that is out of stock, allowing the company’s algorithm to adjust the quantity and types of options being restocked.
The idea for Ward Melville’s own Farmer’s Fridge was sparked over five years ago when Kevin Finnerty, the Three Village Athletic Director, spotted a machine on an errand. Impressed by the healthy options and “convenience factor,” he sent a photo of the machine to the Wellness Committee, which consists of teachers, administrators, students and community members. From there, the committee taste-tested samples of Farmer’s Fridge meals; assessed the need in Ward Melville for fresh, convenient after-school food and even negotiated technical details with the Farmer’s Fridge company. For example, Ward Melville worked with Farmer’s Fridge to ensure that fresh food shipments could be delivered on the same route as those for Stony Brook University’s Farmer’s Fridge machines.
After years of deliberation, the Wellness Committee’s efforts paid off. While the convenience of Farmer’s Fridge machines makes them popular in airports, colleges and hospitals all around the country, Ms. Howard said, “Ward Melville is one of the first high schools in the country to get one of these machines. … It’s really cool.”
The new addition was primarily intended to fill a gap in nutritious food options after school for those involved in clubs, athletes, and teachers who stay after school. Ward Melville’s other vending machines feature items like chips, cookies and ice cream. Ms. Howard highlighted some of these benefits, stating, “The machine is helpful to us teachers since some of us have to stay late for conferences and workshops. Coaches and other athletic leaders also often stay late, so the machine is really beneficial for everyone.”
Students Gracie Stuart, a junior, and Olivia Monticciolo, a sophomore, also spoke about their own perspectives on the Farmer’s Fridge. Stuart, a student member of the Wellness Committee, believes that the fridge “greatly enhances not only the variety of options after school for students, but permits a healthier lifestyle as we can have fulfilling meals in between school and activities or sports.” Monticciolo offered her experiences as well. “As a vegetarian,” she explains, “it can be hard to find many vegetarian options in school. … Now, with the new Farmer’s Fridge, it’s easier for me to get something filling and nutritious.”
Moving forward, the faculty lounge is also receiving its own Farmer’s Fridge vending machine so staff won’t have to compete with students for items. The machine was installed at the end of April and will be operational by early May.
