Exchange introduces new micro markets to expand base food options

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  • By Army & Air Force Exchange Service

From left: Adam Shaw, Army & Air Force Exchange Service general manager; Sara Bateman, AAFES services business manager; Heidi Ries, Air Force Institute of Technology provost and chief academic officer; Col. Sarah Isbill, Air University Detachment 1 commander and AFIT director of staff; and Col. Sirena Morris, 88th Mission Support Group commander, cut the ribbon at the grand opening March 15 of an AAFES micro market at Building 642 on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The new facility expands healthy snack and meal possibilities with fresh salads, fruit, beverages and other items. (U.S. Air Force photo by Katie Scott)

From left: Adam Shaw, Army & Air Force Exchange Service general manager; Sara Bateman, AAFES services business manager; Heidi Ries, Air Force Institute of Technology provost and chief academic officer; Col. Sarah Isbill, Air University Detachment 1 commander and AFIT director of staff; and Col. Sirena Morris, 88th Mission Support Group commander, cut the ribbon at the grand opening March 15 of an AAFES micro market at Building 642 on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The new facility expands healthy snack and meal possibilities with fresh salads, fruit, beverages and other items. (U.S. Air Force photo by Katie Scott)
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WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Airmen without easy access to the Exchange or Expresses can still fuel up with healthier meals and snacks at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s two new micro markets.

Micro markets are fully automated 24-hour self-serve stores located near Airmen and Department of Defense civilians working unusual hours or in high-traffic and out-of-the-way areas. 

New to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the installation welcomed two micro markets during grand opening events March 15 at the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Building 642 and Air Force Research Laboratory’s Building. 653. An additional micro market is planned later this year for Building 16.

Senior Airman Bailey Miller, Air Force Institute of Technology knowledge management technician, chooses a drink from a cooler at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service micro market in AFIT’s Building 642 on March 15 during the facility’s grand opening. The new facility expands healthy snack and meal possibilities with fresh salads, fruit, beverages and other items. (U.S. Air Force photo by Katie Scott)

Senior Airman Bailey Miller, Air Force Institute of Technology knowledge management technician, chooses a drink from a cooler at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service micro market in AFIT’s Building 642 on March 15 during the facility’s grand opening. The new facility expands healthy snack and meal possibilities with fresh salads, fruit, beverages and other items. (U.S. Air Force photo by Katie Scott)
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“We are very excited about having 24-hour food options for the students, faculty and staff – given the long hours required for our education programs,” said Col. Sarah Isbill, Air University Detachment 1 commander and AFIT director of staff. “We’re also thrilled to have a good selection of fresh items and healthy options.”

First introduced in 2014, micro markets are a fast-growing segment with about 80 new locations opened last year. About 80 more locations are planned throughout the continental United States in 2023.

“The Wright-Patterson Exchange is all in to offer more convenience for the military community,” said Adam Shaw, Wright-Patterson Exchange general manager. “Micro markets are another example of the Exchange’s longstanding commitment to provide for military members wherever they are called to serve.”

Matthew Dean, an Air Force Institute of Technology paralegal, completes a self-checkout at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service micro market in AFIT’s Building 642 on March 15. Offering 24-hour self-service meals, snacks and drinks, the AFIT micro market is the first of its kind at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, along with a second new facility at the Air Force Research Laboratory. (U.S. Air Force photo by Katie Scott)

Matthew Dean, an Air Force Institute of Technology paralegal, completes a self-checkout at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service micro market in AFIT’s Building 642 on March 15. Offering 24-hour self-service meals, snacks and drinks, the AFIT micro market is the first of its kind at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, along with a second new facility at the Air Force Research Laboratory. (U.S. Air Force photo by Katie Scott)
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Micro markets offer a wider product assortment compared with traditional vending machines. Offerings vary by location, with most featuring fresh salads, fruit and other better-for-you items.

The healthy food offerings are part of the Exchange’s BE FIT 360 program that focuses on holistic wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Select micro market locations also offer over-the-counter medicines, personal hygiene items and other sundries.