There is plenty of controversy over the issue of vending
machines being allowed in schools. With so many people in
our society being overweight, especially children, things
like this are coming under close scrutiny. If you pick up
your children from school then you have definitely seen the
lines of children getting sodas and snacks before they head
home. In many instances their parents don't even know that
this is taking place.

In various polls among junior high and high school students,
75% of students admitted to using lunch money or spending
cash that their parents give them in vending machines at
school. Most parents don't ask their children what they ate
for lunch, they just assume that they are eating what the
school is offering.

Parents don't like the fact that society is blaming them for
children being overweight and unhealthy. In some cases they
are at fault as they don't offer balanced meals at home.
They also don't encourage their children to get enough
exercise. Yet there are parents that work hard to offer a
good diet for their children, especially those with weight
issues. They feel the school needs to support them by
preventing their child from accessing foods they shouldn't
while at school.

In order to curb the number of students that spend their
lunch money in the vending machines, many schools have
chosen to turn them off during this time of the day. In the
schools that don't though you can often see many students
enjoying a soda and a bag of chips for lunch instead of a
hot meal. Still, older students can drive to area fast food
locations or convenient stores so there is no stopping them.

If you are dealing with a school that doesn't have too many
issues going on, you may have a prime location for a vending
machine. Since many children don't have time for breakfast
in the morning or it is a long stretch for them from lunch
to the end of the day, vending machines offer them a
solution.

One alternative is to change some of the selections offered
in the vending machines. This way they could remain in the
schools but offer some healthier options that will be good
for the students. Instead of soda drinks offered could
include water, sports drinks, and juice. Instead of sugary
snacks students could choose from peanuts, granola bars,
yogurt, fresh fruit, and crackers.

You just might find offering healthy foods and drinks in
your school vending machines increases your sales. Many
staff members may start making purchases from them as well.
Most adults try to refrain from sugary drinks and snacks on
a regular basis so they may really like that you offer them
some healthy alternatives.

Make a plan of attack so you are ready for this argument
from administration. If they know you are on board with a
plan of the healthy items you will offer in vending machines
then you may have a chance of placing your machines there.
This can end up being very profitable for you. Even though
school is only in session for nine months, staff and summer
schools students will be there in the summer months.

Learn more on Vending Locators