SMART FRIDGE

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IWK Health logo with stylized human figures and text

In partnership with IWK.

THE STORY

HARVEST’s Smart Fridge brings fresh, healthy, and convenient meals directly to IWK staff, patients, and visitors. Designed for busy hospital environments, the fridge combines technology and nutrition to make healthy eating seamless.

Vending machine with drinks, breakfast items, wraps, salads, and bowls sections, labeled 'Harvest' with a message 'Always fresh. Always open,' in a modern indoor setting.

Key Highlights:

  • Provide healthy grab-and-go meals without leaving the hospital.

  • AI + sensors track items; automatic billing, delivering faster, safer, and contactless service.

  • Keeps salads, smoothies, and fresh foods safe, ensuring quality and consistency.

  • LED lighting, eco-friendly refrigerants, and night mode reduce energy usage.

  • Real-time monitoring and restock alerts make operations seamless.

  •  Holds 23% more product than traditional models for broader meal selection.

  • 24/7 operation lowers labor costs and integrates easily with payment systems.

  • Saves staff time, supports patient care, and provides convenient, healthy meals 24/7.

 FAQs

  • The HARVEST Smart Fridge is conveniently located in the Gallery of the Richard B. Goldbloom Research and Clinical Care Pavilion, which is accessible from 5850/5980 University Avenue, Halifax.

  • When your card is tapped, a temporary $30 pre-authorization is placed to cover the cost of any items you might select. However, once the door is closed and the purchase is completed, only the total of what you actually took is charged! The $30 pre-authorization will remain pending until it reflects the correct final amount on your account, typically within a maximum of 1-3 business days.

  • Yes! All of the meals, snacks, and beverages are prepared at or come directly from our Downtown Halifax HARVEST location daily, ensuring that you are receiving the same quality, freshness, and portions as you would in-store. Although some of the containers may look a little bit different than the ones in store, such as our salads or power bowls containers, they are both 32oz and made with the same recipes and portions!

  • Not exactly! To actually unlock the Smart Fridge door, you would have to tap a card first. However, if you tap the screen and then select “Browse”, you can view the available items, their ingredients, and prices before deciding to make a purchase.

  • The HARVEST Smart Fridge is restocked daily, and sometimes multiple times throughout the day, to ensure healthy and fresh meals, snacks, and beverages are easily accessible whenever you need them!

  • The Smart Fridge uses weight sensors and AI technology to track items as they’re removed or returned. The AI interprets the sensor data to identify which items are taken, and the screen display updates automatically, meaning that no scanning is required! The Smart Fridge also has a camera facing inside the fridge; however, it does not record faces or personal information, and it is only activated when necessary for inventory verification. 

  • After taking what you want from the Smart Fridge, close the door firmly until you hear the click of the lock. Once the door has been closed and locked, the screen will display your total and the items that you took. From there, you can end your transaction or walk away, and in a few seconds, the screen will return to the main display for the next customer.

  • Yes! Once you have closed and locked the door, the screen will display your total and the items that you took. On this screen, you are given the option to have a receipt emailed to you, and all you have to do is provide your email.