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Vending machine offers free essentials for the homeless

December 26, 2017

A vending machine offering free essentials for homeless people has just been installed in Nottingham, U.K., allowing the homeless to stock up on free essentials any time during the day or night, according to techspot.

The machine at the Broadmarsh Intu shopping center dispenses water, fresh fruit, energy bars, sanitary pads, socks, sandwiches, antibacterial lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste packs and books.

Huzaifah Khaled, founder of Action Hunger, a Nottingham charity, restocks and monitors the machine daily. Most of the items come from redistribution organizations that attempt to reduce food waste and support charitable donations.

The Friary, a drop-in advice center, will provide up to 100 homeless people traceable key cards. Each person can use their card to get one item up to three times per day. They are required to check in at the Friary once a week to continue to use the cards.