Most vending machines in schools are not there for the benefit of the children; they are there for the financial benefit of the school. According to the “Health Policy Tracking Service” of the National Conference of State Legislature, a majority of the schools with vending machines earn up to $100,000 annually from vending machine contracts. Despite the health concerns associated with soft drinks, including accounting for most of the health problems related to childhood obesity, schools still continue to sell this popular vending machine item. Since many schools are low on funds, vending machines are one way to generate extra income, despite the proven negative effects on the students.
While parents may send their child to school with money for a nutritious lunch, with vending machines being easily accessible, the parents have no control over whether their child opts for a lunch of non-nutritious snacks and soda over a more nutritious alternative.
Children and adults need a balance of healthy proteins, fats and carbohydrates to operate efficiently. Junk food and soda do not fit this balance. The majority of foods offered in vending machines are packed full of artificial flavoring, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives. These nutrient-poor foods can lead to obesity, diabetes and a variety of other health related issues.
Quick, convenient and tasty junk food selections from vending machines discourage students to make healthy food choices. While parents may encourage healthy eating at home, many younger students do not have the discipline to choose an apple over candy or chips. When given the choice, most students will opt for the less nutritious vending machine selection. Despite the attempt by parents and even the schools to try to promote good health and nutrition, the presence of vending machines stocked full of unhealthy foods undermines attempts at healthy nutrition guidance. With our lifetime eating habits being determined at an early age, these types of vending machines in schools makes it difficult for students to develop healthy eating habits.