OSU Got A Vending Machine That Dispenses Bacon

The days when vending machines just sold M&Ms and Frito’s are over. We live in a world where you can press a button to get pizza, or soft serve ice cream. Recently, students at Ohio State University can now buy BACON from a vending machine.

According to Gizmodo, you can either get a box of 12 strips or a pouch of bacon bits. The products-all of which cost $1-were donated by Smithfield, Hormel and Sugardale. Proceeds will benefit the school’s meat science department, and students of the program are responsible for the meat machine’s maintenance.

Bacon Vending Machines

“The Bacon Vending Machine is a unique and fun way for the Ohio Pork Council to support Ohio State students and promote the pork industry at the same time,” stated President-Elect Dave Shoup, Ohio Pork Council.

1. How does it work?

Based on the available information, it looks like you put money into the machine and get ready-to-eat bacon in return.

2. Is this real bacon?

It is. The bacon has been provided by Sugardale Foods, Hormel Foods, and Smithfield Foods.

3. Do vending machine customers have to cook the bacon?

Apparently not. The Ohio Pork Council says that the bacon is ready-to-eat. Bacon enthusiasts will know that this is not a revolutionary invention. Pre-cooked bacon has been on the market for quite some time. It’s great on salads, in sandwiches, and as a snack. You can even buy ready-to-eat bacon in bulk on Amazon.

4. How much bacon does $1 buy?

More than you might think. For $1, customers can select either a box of 12 bacon slices or a pouch of bacon bits.

5. Who benefits from this bacon vending machine?

While the machine was installed by the Ohio Pork Council, all proceeds from the bacon vending machine go directly to the Ohio State Meat Sciences program.

6. Who maintains the bacon vending machine?

Students from the Ohio State Meat Sciences program are responsible for stocking, restocking, and maintaining this delicious meat machine.

7. What does Ohio State think of all of this?

The university has supported the addition of a bacon vending machine on campus. “The meat science program is excited to partner with the Ohio Pork Council through the Bacon Vending Machine project,” Lyda G. Garcia, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, told local news outlets. “Excited” might be an understatement for local bacon enthusiasts.

8. Is the bacon vending machine permanent?

The bacon vending machine presently installed at Ohio State is a temporary treat. The machine will be on campus until December 13. However, the Ohio Pork Council told Gizmodo in an email, “The future of this bacon vending machine is still unknown—we may see it again, or maybe not. Time will tell!”

Also see: Suppliers Directory, Vending Machine Distributors