Challenging Obesity: Banning Vending Machines in Schools

539 Words2 Pages

Vending Machines in Schools According to CDC, childhood obesity has dramatically increased in youth ages 12-19 years old in the last 30 years. This is a big problem for youth. Having vending machines in schools that give access to unhealthy drinks and high sugar or salty snacks is not a good way to fight this problem. Due to unhealthiness, overspending, and companies just caring about profit are reasons why vending machines should be banned from schools. Therefore, schools should not allow vending machines. One important reason for schools not having vending machines is that most vending machines are stocked with unhealthy snacks and drinks. According to irishhealth.com, “unhealthy drinks and snacks have caused tooth decay and tooth wear.” In addition, obesity is caused from junk …show more content…

Also, they claim that vending machines can be stocked with healthy items. However, the transition to healthy items in vending machines has caused some schools to lose money. According to usnews.newsvine.com, Seattle schools have banned junk food in vending machines since 2004 and before they made this change they earned $214,000 from vending machines, and now make $17,000. This proves that stocking vending machines with healthy items is not something kids are responding well to. Therefore, the alternative to healthy items makes kids disband from vending machines. All things considered, vending machines should be banned from schools. The increase of obesity and tooth decay are some of the terrible consequences of having junk food available to kids in schools. The ability of companies to profit has made the fight to kick vending machines out of schools a tough effort. Schools should be a place where kids are safe and healthy. Keeping vending machines in schools is only going to increase the problems already faced by young

Open Document