Several companies, including Healthy You Vending and Fresh Vending, have added another facet to the healthy lifestyle business sector. They have marketed vending machines filled with nutritious snacks, drinks and meals, in places where similar machines are often already found.
Many schools and colleges, corporate offices, and public and recreation buildings have healthy vending machines. They offer an alternative to the traditional machines that, while convenient, often contain foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt, along with artificial flavors.
Some of the products sold in the healthy machines include fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, juices, entrées of rice and veggies, snack bars, flavored water, juices, coffees and teas. They may even include cookies, sodas and candies that contain natural sweeteners. Brands like Jones Soda, POM and Kashi are often among the items sold (http://www.healthyyouvending.com).
According to a Fox 2 News report aired on Oct. 10, the prices of such items are generally very close to what they would be in a traditional vending machine. The machines are also managed in a way that is familiar, where most of the companies work as a franchise, with a local owner caring for the machine. On their About page, they say it this way: “HealthyYOU™ Vending is proud to offer serious-minded & health-conscious entrepreneurs the opportunity to own their own successful business.” (http://www.healthyyouvending.com)
The machines even include a “green” design. This includes an energy efficient cooling system and a system that uses LED lights. The machines also feature brightly colored graphics to attract attention. (http://www.healthyyouvending.com/equipment)
Monroe High does not have any of these specific machines, but in the last several years, there has been several efforts to make vending machine options more healthy. For example, sodas are restricted to diet, caffeine free, or sugar free varieties. Carbonated juices are also being sold in the Commons.