Vending

Louisville library installs healthy food vending machine

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March 17, 2025

The Shawnee Library in Louisville, Kentucky has installed a Nori vending machine, offering patrons access to healthy food options, according to a WDRB report. The initiative is a partnership between the Louisville Free Public Library, The Library Foundation and The Nori Project, a local company focused on addressing food insecurity.

The vending machine offers a variety of nutritious items, including granola bars, smoothies, juice boxes, healthy chips and meals. The project aims to combat the negative impact of food insecurity on learning, particularly for children.

"Studies show that a lack of access to affordable, nutritious food can have a negative impact on learning, particularly for children," Damera Blincoe, library services manager, told the news outlet. "Through this pilot project, the Library and Library Foundation hope to reduce food insecurity for people visiting the Shawnee library."

The Nori Project focuses on bringing "modern vending machines" with "thoughtfully curated, culturally relevant, and locally-sourced" items to food deserts, addressing racial inequity in food and nutrition. Proceeds from the vending machine will benefit the library.

The Shawnee Library is located at 3912 W. Broadway and is open seven days a week.