Getting food from a vending machine built into a wall is a typically Dutch phenomenon. These 'automats', however, usually offer unhealthy snacks. This is now changing. Anouk Snelders is opening the first healthy 'food wall', the Health Food Wall in Amsterdam. "I got the idea after studying in America. There I was introduced to the fast food industry and the need for fast, affordable meals. That the food vending machine concept does not yet exist in America amazes me. After leaving America, I went on to study Nutrition and Dietetics. There, my passion for healthy nutrition and cooking was ignited", says Anouk.
The combination of both experiences led to the idea of developing a healthy, so-called, food wall. "Just as in America, there is a growing need for quick, easy meals in the Netherlands. The good trend of plant-based nutrition is also developing. I saw a gap in the market. I have combined healthy, vegan nutrition with the speed and efficacy of the vending machine. Take FEBO, for example. Here you can get a quick bite to eat. Now instead of an unhealthy snack, you can get a healthy, fresh, vegetarian meal from the Health Food Wall", Anouk explains.
The concept was developed with a quick turnaround in mind. The meals are easy to prepare and supplement, and the wall is easy to operate. The idea also has a unique interior and design. These factors make it very suitable for company (canteens).
The wall is refrigerated for 24/, ensuring the meals keep fresh. These meals are prepared in an (open) kitchen on location at 66a Kinker Street in Amsterdam. The wall works as follows: You choose your meal from the wall by selecting it on a touchscreen. You then pay (contactless) with a pin card. The desired slot opens automatically, and you simply take your chosen meal, including utensils and a bag. The packaging is made from biodegradable materials. These meals will cost between EUR7 and EUR9.
Besides meals, the Health Food Wall will also dispense coffee, juices, smoothies, breakfast, and healthy snacks (all available as on-the-go). "We are also available for vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free catering jobs for individuals and businesses. We also give monthly workshops with healthy lifestyle themes. Think of a boot camp in Amsterdam, followed by a healthy meal from the Health Food Wall, or a lecture by a (cookbook) author", concludes Anouk.
