A free-access vending system for use in a cafeteria or similar dining facility, which permits patrons to freely take food items from cafeteria self-service units and to pay for what they take at the time of taking with a payment card or similar instrument, via an automated payment handler. The automated payment handler not only receives payment from patrons, but also has item sensing devices to detect food items as they are removed, thereby eliminating the need for staff personnel to account for food items taken and receive payment from patrons or charge their accounts for meals. Food items removed from the cafeteria self-service units may be replenished directly and conveniently from the kitchen as patrons take them. Packaged food items, such as beverages, may be stored within the cafeteria self-service unit and reloaded independently of freshly-prepared food items, and the stocks thereof optionally maintained by outside personnel. The free-access item sensing devices of the cafeteria self-service unit can be used to detect and identify not only food items taken by patrons, but also the replenished food items. A central information and control system thereby maintains complete tracking and time flow of food items to provide not only accounting and inventory information and reporting to management, but also flow analysis and food item purchasing patterns for patron assistance, scheduling, menu preparation, and the like, and to aid in increasing the real-time operation of the cafeteria while further reducing staff personnel requirements.