The Skinny on Healthy Snacks in Vending Machines
- bulldogbrief2014
- Dec 20, 2014
- 1 min read
Alissa Berman
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If vending machines were an option at our school, they’d have to meet a few requirements. The wellness policy in our district states, “The District will establish minimum nutritional standards for non-regulated food service, vending, student store offerings, fund raising and classroom parties.” This means that even if we got vending machines, they would still have to meet the district's nutrition guidelines.
Vending machines have always been a big income source in our schools, but could the new guidelines get in the way of that? The vending machines at Mountlake Terrace High School were given a makeover over the summer. Now the machines have a wider variety of snacks, including some pricier, but healthier ones. Senior Peyton Morrison says, “I like that there will be more of a variety. Even if it’s a little pricier, it’s nice to see more choices to pick from.”
The new changes to the vending machines have their pros and cons. For one thing, it’ll be more difficult for students to get sugary drinks; however, students will still be able to buy carbonated beverages. There are different requirements of what is allowed in elementary, middle, and high schools. Elementary and middle schools aren’t allowed to have carbonated drinks at all, and they have to be less than 20 ounces at high schools.
Director of the food services, Barbara Lloyd, said, “It’s a big change for schools across the U.S. to come into compliance with the new rules. Yes, they’re very strict, but they’re working to make healthier campuses. In machines, they’re [the students] looking to enjoy having healthy food and eating healthy.”
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