Just a few weeks ago, Oak Park High School’s Parent Student Faculty Association released a survey asking students about the return of vending machines on campus. OPHS currently has two vending machine boxes located on the left side of the gym, though they have been empty and unused for some time.
The new vending machines will accept digital payment and sell cold food, drinks and snacks. The Google form survey allowed students to vote on which cold food items they wanted to be offered, with options like sandwiches, wraps, fruit, salads and more.
“We are looking at having two machines, one with snacks and one with cold food and drinks. The snacks and drinks will need to comply with the California state laws regarding food on school campuses,” PFA Co-Presidents Melissa Brockman and Lisa Clayden wrote to the Talon. “Chips, protein bars, certain sweets and bakery items, milk, sparkling water are all potential options.”
The main concern with vending machines in schools is the offering of unhealthy snacks or junk food. However, in 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture implemented rules about Smart Snacks in School with standards for the kinds of foods schools should serve. Snacks are expected to meet general nutrition standards, as well as meet the specific nutrient requirements with some exceptions.
The PFA stated that one of their main reasons for reintroducing vending machines to OPHS is to provide students with substantial food after school, when the cafeteria is closed but students remain on campus for 7th period, athletics or extracurriculars.
This benefits students with seventh and eighth period classes, especially student athletes, who need to stay properly fueled during their practices. According to Gordon Food Service, proper nutrition is essential for student athletes to train, recover and perform well. It also impacts the development of their bodies and brains.
“We are still investigating all of the options and will be sending out a follow up email with our survey findings and the end results as soon as we finalize them,” Brockman and Clayden wrote. “We are hoping to have the machines on campus by mid-November.”
