In a world where convenience often trumps nutrition, Better Fresh Farms is redefining what it means to grab a quick bite. With the installation of Statesboro's first fresh salad vending machine at Cool Beanz, co-owners Brandi Burke and Grant Anderson are bringing farm-to-fork goodness to the community, making healthy eating as easy as pushing a button.
The concept of a salad vending machine might sound revolutionary, but for Brandi and Grant, it’s the result of years of experience and innovation.
"People don’t have a lot of time to prep meals, so we wanted to create something accessible and convenient," Brandi explains. The idea took root during a trip overseas, where they saw similar concepts in airports. Inspired by the potential, they decided to bring this fresh, fast, and healthy option to Southeast Georgia.
Better Fresh Farms has always prioritized freshness, with their greens grown hydroponically just a short distance away in Metter. “We grow everything here, and we can pick daily at the best time,” says Brandi. Their greens are not just fresh but also more nutritious, thanks to the controlled environment in which they are grown. “We’ve had clinical tests run that show our greens are more nutritional—no herbicides, no pesticides, just pure, sustainable farming.”
The vending machine offers a variety of fresh salads, with plans to expand options in the future. You can also purchase protein in the form of grilled chicken or boiled egg to add. Currently, there are only two versions available (garden or Caesar), but the goal is to introduce more, including customizable options to meet the specific needs of local businesses. Fresh fruit options are also on the horizon, adding to the array of healthy choices.
Running such a high-tech operation isn’t without its challenges. "Everything is temperature controlled remotely," Brandi notes, explaining that if the temperature fluctuates, they are immediately notified, and someone is always on staff to address any issues. The system even tracks when each item was processed and placed in the machine, ensuring optimal freshness.
Despite the initial price tag ($8.99 for a large salad), which may cause some hesitation, Brandi emphasizes the value of their product. "The shelf life is so long, there’s no waste. Buying one time for a better product is cost-effective," she shares. The way they grow their greens hydroponically results in a longer shelf life, so the salad you buy today will still be fresh tomorrow.
Better Fresh Farms is also big on community engagement. They run promotions where customers can post pictures of their salads on social media to receive discounts. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers discovering the difference that truly fresh produce makes.
Brandi and Grant's commitment to quality extends beyond just salads. They’re already looking to the future, with plans to incorporate dry cells for honey and possibly expand the vending machine concept to other businesses in town. “This is kind of my pet project,” Brandi shares. “It means everything to me, and I hope in the future we can have more in businesses around town, reaching a larger community.”
The journey for Better Fresh Farms started small, but the impact is growing daily. As Brandi puts it, “Fresh is best, and that’s where Better Fresh came from.” With their innovative approach to healthy eating, Better Fresh Farms is poised to make a significant mark on the local food scene.
For those curious about what’s currently available, the Better Fresh Farms website offers a ‘Fresh Fridge’ tab where customers can check the stock at their vending machine location. It’s all part of their mission to make fresh, nutritious food available to everyone, anytime.
Visit www.betterfreshfarms.com to learn more and find out what’s in stock at the Cool Beanz vending machine today.
