Don’t look for chips, candy bars and pop in Pittsburgh International Airport’s newest vending machines.

Instead, think salads, pasta and sandwiches.

Introducing Farmer’s Fridge, a new concession option that’s now available in the landside and airside terminals at PIT. These unique vending machines give passengers and airport guests round-the-clock access to fresh food options that include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Syed Shah, vice president of sales at Farmer’s Fridge, is passionate about bringing fresh food to places that are open all the time, like airports and hospitals.

“Everyone should have access to eating what they want,” Shah said. “It’s important to make sure people have access to something fresh and nutritious, even in an environment where they’re not used to it.”

Guaranteed fresh

Farmer’s Fridge uses an algorithm to ensure their food stays fresh. That algorithm helps the team forecast how much food is needed at each vending location, or “fridge.” Then, chefs at a kitchen in Chicago, where Farmer’s Fridge is based, produce food to that forecast and send it out to each location.

Delivery drivers stop by each fridge six days a week to remove expired meals and stock new food options. The fridges will never vend an item that has passed its “best before” date.

Thanks to this technology, Farmer’s fridge can keep food waste low. Each fridge also has a spot for users to recycle their used food containers.

“It’s important to us to make sure we’re making a positive impact, not only with the food we produce, but when we’re done producing it too,” Shah said.

Although the machines are new to PIT, frequent fliers might recognize them; Farmer’s Fridge has machines at over 20 airports across the U.S. The fridges are also set to appear in Pittsburgh-area hospitals and on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Shah says the Farmer’s Fridge team expects to see over 40 of their vending machines in the region by the end of 2024.

Accessible options for every diet

Farmer’s Fridge joins a variety of concessions at the airport that offer food options for all kinds of diets. One of the most popular, Joe & The Juice, in Concourse B, gives passengers access to options like protein-packed smoothies, healthy juices and fresh sandwiches. The juicer offers vegan and vegetarian options and allows users to choose a gluten-free bread option for their sandwiches.

Passengers at PIT can also visit The Strip Market for salads, sandwiches and fruit that offer a local taste of the region.