No More After-School Fast Food: Smithtown Schools Add Fresh, Farm-Made Meals

SMITHTOWN, NY — Students at Smithtown High School East and High School West now have a fresh, nutritious addition to their culinary lineup.

Both schools recently installed Farmer’s Fridge vending machines, designed to provide farm-fresh meals and snacks on the go. The machines offer a variety of healthy options, including chicken wraps, Greek salads, Thai noodles, pesto pasta, and chia seed pudding.

Each machine is regularly restocked by Farmer’s Fridge employees, with ingredients sourced from local farms to ensure freshness and quality.

“The new addition was primarily intended to fill a gap in nutritious food options after school for those involved in clubs, athletics, and concerts who stay late,” High School West Principal William Holl said.

Smithtown High School East and West are among just a handful of high schools in New York State to introduce the innovative dining option.

The machines are interactive, allowing students to report when an item is out of stock. That data is then used by the company’s algorithm to adjust quantities and menu selections based on student demand. District officials said the addition reflects a continued effort to expand healthy and convenient food choices for students throughout the school day.

“In the past, students either waited until they returned home to eat or left campus after school to purchase food,” High School East Principal Paul McNeil said. “By offering this healthy vending option, we are providing a high-quality, convenient alternative that ensures our students are well-fed while remaining on campus. The response from our student body has been overwhelmingly positive.”