Typical vending machines increase the availability of sugary snacks. They provide easy access to snack foods that don’t always have nutritional value. However, they shouldn’t be disregarded because of that fact. There are ways to give students and workers the energy they need during the day without tying red tape to every vending machine within a ten-foot radius. Healthy vending machines are on the rise, and the profits are more than pecuniary. New companies like Healthier4U, HealthyYOUVending, and Fresh! provide access to healthy vending machines with plenty of variety in their snacks.

  The benefits of having food available to students during passing periods lay out a convincing argument for their presence in high schools. Students rush around in the mornings, and when they don’t have time to grab something to eat before they head off to school it can negatively affect their day. Once the first bell rings, they don’t have the chance to eat anything until their lunch period rolls around. Until that time, though, they’re unfocused and anticipating the time their morning classes are over so they can finally take care of the grumbling in their stomachs.

“I think we should have vending machines,” said Shanynn Bose, senior, “not only do other schools have them, but it would encourage us to eat healthier because it isn’t technically school food.”

  Healthy vending machines can help students by providing them with snacks throughout the day, and they can give students the opportunity to grab something when they’re running late. While vending machines used to be frowned upon, there is now a middle ground to satisfy concerns of unhealthy habits. It’s an addition that schools should consider when looking for improvements for the students involved.