Vending machines and 24-hour vending kiosks have become one of the most common businesses throughout Barcelona. Most offer fast food, unhealthy snacks, and a selection of energy drinks that puts many supermarkets to shame, but some surprise us with very interesting products. Such is the case with the RexCatering machine in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, which offers food and meals for a symbolic price of one euro.
This initiative, promoted by the Cuina Comunitària de Sant Antoni, is a project that seeks to reduce food waste and , at the same time, offer healthy food at an affordable price.
The vending machine, located at the Espai Veïnal Calàbria ( Carrer Calàbria, 66), collects leftover meals from the Escola Aldana cafeteria and surplus food from the Mercat de Sant Antoni that is still safe to eat.
The lunchboxes are sold for one euro, but vulnerable residents can access them for free using a card. Currently, about 120 meals are served daily, and the service is available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Cuina Comunitària de Sant Antoni is working to get more schools, organizations, and community stakeholders to join the initiative and gradually increase opportunities for food recovery and reuse.
