Vending Machines on Campus: Benefits and Possible Concerns
|
Posted By: Dixie Somers on January 24, 2018 A campus without a vending machine is a rough situation for students and faculty when their stomachs are rumbling and will not stop. Food and drink options are an essential part of managing through a long day at school—especially when you need a pick-me-up just before a test. It is also nice to be able to grab a snack for later that you can simply stick into your pocket to cover that mid-afternoon lull; however, vending machines can be both beneficial and potentially detrimental to students and faculty. Here are a few reasons why this is the case. Junk Food and High Calorie DrinksOne of the common concerns of vending machines on school campuses has mostly been oriented around the type of snack options being offered up to students and faculty alike. Are these food and drink options healthy enough to be called real food, or do they only serve to pack on the pounds and contribute to an already out-of-hand obesity problem? Is there so much sugar in the snack and drink options that they contribute to poor oral health as well? Vending machines would seem to be a good idea on a school campus, if the food and drink choices lean more towards the healthy side of the spectrum. That may not sound cool to students, but at least it would silence many parental concerns. Morning-After Pills in Vending MachinesIf you were wondering what they would think of next, then you probably would have never guessed that students and faculty members on a school campus might have access to morning-after pills or other similar products. In the case of a high school campus, this could get potentially sticky. It could easily raise concerns as to who the students and faculty are having sex with, and if any statutory laws are being broken in the process. This is especially concerning when you consider how often teachers and students have been caught in compromising relationships. A Snack before a TestIt can often be helpful to have a small snack before a test to take the edge off of a growling stomach. This is, of course, provided that the vending machines are offering up something other than snacks loaded with simple sugars. Simple sugars may give a student a temporary feeling of alertness, but after a short amount of time this can tend to cause the brain to crash once the energy from simple sugar-based snacks have been used up and the body is in need of more fuel to stay alert. Snacks that contain complex sugars or, better yet, saturated fats will tend to provide a test taker with a lot more energy for staying on top of their game. Avoiding MessesGrabbing a snack from that used vending machine at the end of the hall can be a blessing or a curse: depending on the type of packaging the food or drink uses as a container. Pop top sodas are more likely to spill over and create a sticky mess on the floor that could attract bugs. So, sodas that are sold with screw on caps are better to prevent such problems. Food that is sold in zip lock style packaging is also easier to keep from spilling all over the floor as well. A vending machine that utilizes intelligent container and packaging methods is certainly a great way to prevent messy problems in the classroom. ConclusionWhere there are hungry students and faculty, there will likely be some type of vending machine around to satisfy the need for food and drink. Providing healthy food and drink options and using intelligently designed containing methods are important factors to consider that help to justify the value of a vending machine on campus. Such forward thinking will promote health and keep food and drink-related messes at a minimum. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Dixie Somers
Freelance Writer, Self Employed Other College... class of 2004 Member Since November 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 53 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 115 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 79 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 76 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 67 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,032 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,076 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,335 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,367 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
