for SL
The idea of accessible vending machines in educational spaces has been debated ever since their integration into public schools in the mid-90s. West High School has been taking a new approach to the situation by limiting the machines' active hours.
Earlier this year, students at West were informed of the deactivation of all vending machines in the school during class periods, only opening back up during lunch and after school. This news was met with mixed reactions. “I really miss having the vending machines open during class periods,” says one West student, “especially when I have my study hall and could use a quick bite in the morning. When I didn't have a chance to grab breakfast the vending machines were a quick and easy option that I began relying on.”
Others stated that it didn’t really impact them at all, since they rarely used the vending machines during class hours. Since the change, many students can be seen going to the cafeteria vending machines, and walking away disappointed upon finding them no longer in service.
A few main arguments are continuously brought up by those opposing vending machines in schools. A West staff member explains what they believe to be the main reason behind the shift: “It was becoming a distraction.” They claim it was used as an “excuse to go and skip class for a while.” While shutting down the vending machines does not fully eradicate hall lingering, many have noticed a decreased number of students congregating in the cafeteria during class periods.
Other popular arguments used by those in pursuit of removing or limiting vending machines usually revolve around the unhealthy foods offered. According to the Journal of School Health, multiple studies have been done documenting greater calorie consumption due to meals bought out of a vending machine when compared to those who eat school lunches or ones brought from home. Many see the nutritional value of these machines as detrimental to student health and view the lack of concern from some school systems as irresponsible. Although using time restrictions won't solve this nutritional issue, it will eliminate tempting unnecessary snacking during the day.
Despite the negative impacts which vending machines may bring to school environments, they do contribute positively as well. The potential for large profits, along with the accessible cost, makes West’s solution a potentially successful resolution. The average vending machine makes about 300 dollars a month, which can be used as a source of revenue for the school. Since most items in the machine are around one dollar—making it a viable option for most students—it does provide a quick option on occasion.
There is no perfect solution to vending machines in public schools, but schools like West continue to look for creative solutions.
The idea of accessible vending machines in educational spaces has been debated ever since their integration into public schools in the mid-90s. West High School has been taking a new approach to the situation by limiting the machines' active hours.
Earlier this year, students at West were informed of the deactivation of all vending machines in the school during class periods, only opening back up during lunch and after school. This news was met with mixed reactions. “I really miss having the vending machines open during class periods,” says one West student, “especially when I have my study hall and could use a quick bite in the morning. When I didn't have a chance to grab breakfast the vending machines were a quick and easy option that I began relying on.”
Others stated that it didn’t really impact them at all, since they rarely used the vending machines during class hours. Since the change, many students can be seen going to the cafeteria vending machines, and walking away disappointed upon finding them no longer in service.
A few main arguments are continuously brought up by those opposing vending machines in schools. A West staff member explains what they believe to be the main reason behind the shift: “It was becoming a distraction.” They claim it was used as an “excuse to go and skip class for a while.” While shutting down the vending machines does not fully eradicate hall lingering, many have noticed a decreased number of students congregating in the cafeteria during class periods.
Other popular arguments used by those in pursuit of removing or limiting vending machines usually revolve around the unhealthy foods offered. According to the Journal of School Health, multiple studies have been done documenting greater calorie consumption due to meals bought out of a vending machine when compared to those who eat school lunches or ones brought from home. Many see the nutritional value of these machines as detrimental to student health and view the lack of concern from some school systems as irresponsible. Although using time restrictions won't solve this nutritional issue, it will eliminate tempting unnecessary snacking during the day.
Despite the negative impacts which vending machines may bring to school environments, they do contribute positively as well. The potential for large profits, along with the accessible cost, makes West’s solution a potentially successful resolution. The average vending machine makes about 300 dollars a month, which can be used as a source of revenue for the school. Since most items in the machine are around one dollar—making it a viable option for most students—it does provide a quick option on occasion.
There is no perfect solution to vending machines in public schools, but schools like West continue to look for creative solutions.
