Vending Machines in Schools

Nora L. Howley

The question of vending machines in schools is one that has provoked controversy on several fronts. Among the areas of concern are the commercialization of the school environment, the nutritional quality of the food offered in the vending machines, and the more complex question of how revenues from vending are directed. Vending of food in schools falls under the category of “competitive foods.” In this case, the competition is with food served in the school lunch or breakfast program. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2000 survey, 43 percent of elementary schools, 89.4 percent of middle/junior high schools, and 98.2 percent of senior high schools had either a vending machine or another competitive venue where students could purchase food or beverages. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the school meal programs, has only limited authority over the competitive ...

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