Vending Machines in School and Their Contribution to the Obesity EpidemicVending machines were invented to make it more convenient for us to access a variety of different foods in places we frequent, such as work or school. But, these machines have become a substitute for good food for many of our children. And yet, they are located in the very place where they are most likely to tempt children--in the halls, cafeterias and gymnasiums of our schools. In fact a nationwide survey organized by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) reported very disturbing results. The study looked at 1,420 vending machines in 251 schools. According to the CSPI, 75% of the drinks and 85% of the snacks were unhealthy "It's hard enough for parents to guide their children's food choices, but it becomes virtually impossible when public schools are peddling junk food throughout the school day," said CSPI nutrition policy director Margo G. Wootan. "Many parents who send their kids off with lunch money in the morning have no clue that it can be so readily squandered on Coke, Doritos, and HoHos." Given the increasing incidence of childhood obesity, it would seem educators and parents would be more closely scrutinizing the foods children have access to during the school day. Look at a typical vending machine and what you find is not surprising; sodas, energy drinks, iced teas and juice drinks- which often don't contain much real juice. While it's true that bottled water is a choice, the survey found that it accounted for only 12% of the available drinks. Milk accounted for an even smaller 5%. The choices for snacks are even more disturbing. They include candy, chips and sweet snacks. Noticeably absent in most machines is fruit. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets detailed standards for nutrition, as well as the portions for school meals. But, it has little authority to regulate foods children have access to in vending machines or the snack aisles in cafeterias. Some states have either put legislation in place, or are trying to pass legislation, to control what is sold in vending machines. Schools are also working with vendors to stock healthy choices, like fruit, water and healthy snack bars. But, some schools have a hard time passing on the significant income that is generated by the junk foods in vending machines. It is important to note that the vending machine controversy may be getting in the way of the real issue. We need to help children increase their physical activity, make better food choices, and promote a healthier lifestyle so that they do not fall victim to the myriad of problems associated with being overweight or obese.To find out more about the survey on vending machines go to www.cspinet.org. In addition, CSPI has a School Foods Tool Kit that has a wealth of information for educators and parents that want to improve the drinks and snack foods offered to children. That kit is available at www.cspinet.org/schoolfood.
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