6 healthy options for school vending machines
Finding healthy options for school vending machines can seem like an impossible task, but we have a few ideas to help you out. Bon Appetit!
Trying to find healthy options for school vending machines might seem like a minefield, but, in reality, there’s plenty of choice if you know where to look.
So, before you write them off as a bad idea, check out our six favourite healthy options for school vending machines.
What’s the problem with school vending machines?
Vending machines have always been something of a sore point in schools. Most people think they’re crammed full of crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks … and they’re often right!
This isn’t good because all of these snacks have a negative impact on student health, the classroom and (thanks to plastic packaging) the environment.
However, vending machines do have their benefits; they’re a quick and easy way to deliver food to students throughout the day.
They are useful for those who have forgotten to bring their lunch or need an energy boost and can relieve strain on a busy school cafeteria. They can also help schools bring in a profit.
Most importantly, these machines give students control over what they’re eating – which is great, but only if they decide to eat healthily.
What if we fill them with healthy food?
We’ll admit it; the recent child obesity statistics have been pretty harrowing. Even with the ‘sugar tax’ it’s obvious that schools need to be doing more to provide healthy alternatives to traditional vending machine snacks.
To meet current nutritional standards for schools, some institutions are introducing ‘healthy vending’ systems.
This is where they offer healthy options for school vending machines and encourage students to start eating better. This is a fantastic idea and, who knows, it might even help your students bump up a grade or two.
6 healthy options for school vending machines
1) Fruit
Healthy school vending machines make fruit much more accessible to students, and help give them the vitamins and minerals they need to function well throughout the day.
2) Nuts
Nuts are a great substitute for crisps and may even overcome some salty cravings.
They can also help your heart and can lower cholesterol, but be careful; some students may have nut allergies.
3) Grains and seeds
Grains and seeds are very nutritious and a great source of fibre. They contain healthy fats, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
When eaten as part of a balanced diet they can reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Grains can also improve bowel function.
4) Yogurt
Most yogurts contain bacteria that are good for you. Good bacteria help the digestive tract and get rid of bad microorganisms that cause infections.
5) Baked crisps
Baked crisps are much better for you than fried versions; they have less fat and fewer calories.
However, be careful when you choose your supplier – some aren’t as healthy as you might think.
6) Popcorn
If eaten occasionally, healthy varieties of popcorn can be really good for you. It’s a snack that fills you up and contains fibre to keep you healthy.
So, as you can see, there are lots of healthy options for school vending machines. However, you might need to change your existing equipment to facilitate them.
Items such as fresh fruit, salads, pasta mixes and yogurts will need chilled vending, while popcorn, baked crisps and fruit juice require ambient vending temperatures.
Improve the health and academic performance of your students by getting the equipment you need to introduce healthier vending machine options. Get in touch with our expert team today.
