Hands-free vending machine and door opening assembly

A pedal-operated vending machine, comprising:

• a housing defining a product storage area comprising a plurality of shelves and a delivery portal;
• a plurality of dispensing mechanisms configured to convey a product from the product storage area to the delivery portal, wherein each of the plurality of shelves comprises a dispensing mechanism of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms;
• a door movably covering the delivery portal, wherein the door is movable from a closed position to an open position;
• a pedal arranged on a lower end of the housing below the delivery portal;
• and
• a control unit in communication with the door, the plurality of dispensing mechanisms, and the pedal, wherein the control unit is configured to actuate a dispensing mechanism of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms in response to a first operation of the pedal and wherein the control unit is configured to cause the door to move to the open position in response to a second operation of the pedal.