Vending machines
Vending machines are often stocked with sugary soft drinks, crisps and chocolate bars and it is important that they encourage healthy eating too.
Some schools prefer to remove the machines altogether but they can be changed to include healthier items like bottled water or milk drinks, muffins, cereal bars, lower fat crisps and crackers.
The School Nutrition Action Group (SNAG) could lead changes to the vending machine by contacting the supplier, which is sometimes the school catering service, to investigate healthier choices and pass on ideas from pupils, parents and staff.
Using vending machines to sell sandwiches, yoghurts and fruit can also provide a quick lunch for those who don't want something hot and at the same time cut queues in the dining hall.
Useful links
Health Education Trust Vending pages
The Health Education Trust campaigns for better vending in schools and these web pages have information on how to provide healthier vending options and a host of links to advice and toolkits.
PDF file: Food Standards Agency publication: Vending Healthy Drinks
The Food Standards Agency has produced this guide for schools to help them set up healthy drinks vending machines. It was created following a successful pilot study of healthy drink vending in 12 secondary schools across England.
Automatic Vending Association
The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) website has contact details for members, details of the AVA Quality Scheme, a dedicated vending in schools page and a range of publications.
