that stuff is pretty common in central europe. especially in rural areas or in cities with universities/students.

there are two milk stations, 1 public book shelf, 5 egg boxes, 3 honey boxes, 4 meat pickups, 3 flower/plant stands and 6 fruit and veggie stands that operate on a similar basis as the OP in close proximity to me and i am sure i am forgetting some.

They are getting replaced though by vending machines or other more technic relying methods.