Vending

Free contraceptive vending machine launched in Bloomington

Photo: Adobe Stock

May 5, 2025

A free contraceptive vending machine has been installed at the Gather Shoppe in downtown Bloomington, making emergency contraception, condoms and menstruation products accessible to the public during the store's business hours, according to an Indiana Public Media report.

This initiative, launched by the statewide advocacy group Indiana Task Force, marks the third such machine in Indiana, following installations in Indianapolis and Lafayette.

"We're a women-owned, women-run business. Having . . . all of these free items for people, like Plan B and tampons and condoms, super important to us," Anna Halliday, Gather shopkeeper, told the news outlet.

The Indiana Task Force reports that emergency contraception is the most frequently accessed item in their other vending machines. Local organizations including Hoosier Asian American Power and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard also supported the Bloomington installation. The initiative originated with the Midwest Access Coalition, which installed its first machine in Chicago and plans to expand further.

Advocates encourage community members to spread awareness about the Bloomington vending machine and utilize the available resources.