There are 100 million Americans that use vending machines every single day. This is according to the National Automatic Merchandising Association, which also reported that 7 million vending machines are available in the country as of 2018. While some argue that the snacks and beverages in these machines conclude poor diet choices, this is only sometimes the case for many high schools.
Overview
Vending machines are beneficial to high school students because of the easy access to snacks or beverage and the convenience it provides. Also, with added food options, more students are less distracted by hunger, causing them to be more concentrated on studying the whole day.
The Importance of vending machines to high school students
With busy schedules and limited time between classes, vending machines offer a quick and easy solution for hungry or thirsty high school students. This is particularly essential to those needing more time to purchase food elsewhere. It also offers a wide variety of options which can be helpful to those with dietary restrictions. Plus, the choices are relatively cheap and cost-effective for those living on a lucrative budget.
To pay more attention and delve into the importance of vending machines to high school students, here are some reasons why schools should provide vending machines.
1. They can pick what to put in the vending machine and what not.
One of the most significant advantages of having vending machines in high schools is they can control what kind of food goes into them. Schools can opt to stock the machines with healthy snacks and drinks that meet nutritional guidelines and ensure that the students have more nutritious choices. Food options such as granola bars, fruit cups, and water can help promote healthy eating habits and combat child or teenage obesity plaguing youth.
2. Allows students to save money.
Most of us are all been there. Just enough money allowance to last all week while saving up some money to buy something fancy. In a published report last 2016, a high school student spent an average of $100 per month on food. However, with the rising inflation and increased cost of goods today, $100 will only last a week if spent on a vending machine. If you are wondering why food in a vending machine is cheaper, it’s simply because they are self-service, and no staffing is needed to assist the customer.
3. Provides options to school employees too
Many teachers, faculty members, or school staff work long hours and may not have the opportunity to leave school grounds just to grab lunch or buy a snack. This is where vending machines come in. Having them on-site means anyone – including school employees- can fuel their day and boost overall productivity.
4. Ensure that the students don’t go hungry in between meals.
As mentioned in reason number one, the school has many options for choosing what to put in vending machines. From trail mix to granola bars, the sky’s the limit. This can help stave off hunger and provide the energy that students need to stay focused and engaged, without having to wait in mealtime.
5. Vending machines can be placed in convenient locations around the school
Finding a quick and easy snack during a busy school day is always a challenge. But with vending machines available in different convenient locations around the campus, students can have healthy and satisfying snacks anytime they want. Additionally, vending machines can be placed in areas where students may need a pick-me-up, such as near the gym or sports fields. This way, they can grab a drink to guarantee their energy during physical activities.
6. Offers peace of mind to parents
Every parent wants the best for their child, and this includes that they have access to healthy and nutritious snacks while they’re at school. Since vending machines can be stocked with a variety of healthy food such as granola bars, crackers, pretzels, and more, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child’s nutritional needs are being met. Also, installing vending machines on high school campuses can be a cost-effective option for parents looking to save money on their child’s school meals.
Are there any drawbacks from having vending machines to high schools?
Just like anything, having vending machines available to high school students shares its own drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is it creates dependence on processed foods or quick grubs, which may be unhealthy to many – especially if a student’s physique is susceptible to many health conditions that this type of eating habit may worsen.
In addition, vending machines can create a culture of convenience and instant gratification, where students are conditioned to expect quick and easy access to food at all times. This behavior can lead to a lack of patience and discipline, which greatly contributes to obesity.
Although the food from vending machines can offer the energy fuel each student needs all throughout the day, it may also distract them from academics. They may be tempted to leave class to go purchase items from the machines or may become preoccupied with thoughts of their next snack instead of focusing on their studies.
Lastly, high school students can be mischievous and prone to taking things that don’t belong to them, which can be a problem if they were to steal money or even entire products from the machines.
Nevertheless, the benefits of having vending machines in high schools surely outweigh its potential drawbacks.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, vending machines can be highly beneficial to high schools. They provide convenient access to snacks and drinks during the day and can also be a breather to school employees and parents.
With DFW Premium Vending, healthy food options will be readily available to students at no cost to the school. The vending machines can be filled with a variety of snack options, that’s especially helpful for students who may have a busy schedule and need more time to go off campus for snacks or lunch.
