Are Vending Machines Good or Bad for Schools?

Vending machines should offer students healthy choices.

Convenient Nutrition

For students and school staff, vending machines offer simple and convenient access to food and beverages. Also, some campuses use vending machines to offer healthy, nutritious options such as yogurt, fruits and vegetables, or milk.

Health Costs

Vending machines are often filled with salty or sugary high-fat foods. Drinking soft drinks, the most popular vending machine product, accounts for many of the health problems from childhood obesity. The junk food provided through many vending machines is linked to such conditions as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Bottom Line

Vending machines are a welcome convenience. However, according to the U.S. Department of Education, "it is time to replace some vending machines with healthier options." Childhood nutrition and obesity are central issues today, and vending machines can promote healthy choices at reasonable prices. Therefore, vending machines that offer healthy beverages and snacks are good for schools.

References

• U.S. Department of Education: Remarks by Secretary Paige at the Healthier US Fitness Festival
• MSNBC.com: Obama Wants School Vending Machine Changes
• HealthySD.gov: Vending--Pros and Cons