UBC Partners with UpMeals to Bring Students Healthy Meals from Refrigerated SmartVending Machines

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VANCOUVER — UpMeals has partnered with the University of British Columbia (UBC) to install its SmartVending machines at the Vancouver campus in mid-November to offer individually packaged breakfasts, entrées, snacks and juices to students.

The first machine will be installed in the main lobby of the Sauder School of Business Henry Angus building, and the second machine will be installed inside the café of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. The SmartVending machine will service up to 10,000 students, faculty and staff per day in each building, providing safe and convenient access to healthy food choices. Eventually, UpMeals will integrate the machines with UBC student cards to simplify the payment process.

The SmartVending machine meals will rotate regularly, however, initial meals included are grain bowls, wraps, energy bites, cold-pressed juices and more. Additionally, unsold food will be donated to the Vancouver Food Runners in an effort to help reduce food waste.

“As students make the transition back to campus, we’re pleased to be able to offer UpMeals’ menu items so students and others can access healthy, affordable food options at all hours of the day,” says Drew Munro, co-founder and CEO of UpMeals. “There’s a science to how we structure our meals, using a lot of superfoods that will be hugely beneficial to students. Working closely with the team at UBC Food Services, the SmartVending machines will be equipped with meals and snacks crafted to keep students feeling energized, in a better mood and help with improved memory. Not only that, the fact that these are nutritionally-complete meal options that are individually packaged and prepared in a HACCP-certified facility makes them a safe option.”

“We were looking for healthier alternatives for ready-to-eat takeout meals that could be purchased safely at any hour — the UpMeals SmartVending machines met and exceeded our expectations for what we could offer students,” says Colin Moore, director of Food Services, Student Housing & Community Services at UBC. “A bonus is that ingredients are fresh, meals are sustainably packaged, and it’s a convenient option that reflects good health and well-being to promote academic success. Our staff and students lead busy lives, so we’re thrilled to offer them easily accessible, delicious meal options.”

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