The Nori looks like any other vending machine, but as Food Chain CEO Kristin Hughes explains, there are a few key differences.
"We are using local ingredients. are sourcing things from Kentucky farmers. It is very different than fast food. is fresh, know, fresh and healthy meals is super important for us and for our community."
The Nori keeps the meals refrigerated and then heats them up on demand before distribution. It can hold 81 meals at a time.
"It's really like meant for everyone because those that can pay for a meal can buy the 750 and those that can't afford a meal we're trying to always stock it with some free meals."
Hughes says they're currently featuring woke junk food vegan but the menu will constantly be evolving.
"Bourbon and Toulouse is also running a special through at the end of December, so every Wednesday for every meal somebody purchases, they donate to us. So then they bring us a big donation and we're able to package it up and put it into the machine."
The meals come out piping hot and ready to eat. The packaging is compostable and sustainable and disposable silverware is also provided. The Nori is already doing good business according to Hughes and she'd like to see it expand.
"We are really hoping that this kicks off a lot more interest by a lot of organizations, by the city of Lexington to be able to place these. Because one of the things that we are really trying to do is combat food insecurity. And so making it so that there are places where you can access food 24-7 is super important. I don't think there's a single grocery store that is open 24-7 anymore in this city."
The Nori is right outside Food Chain on 501 West 6th Street. next to West 6 Brewing and Smithtown Seafood.
