Why Vending Machines Should Be Banned From Schools

Why Vending Machines Should Be Banned From Schools

In “Hooked on ‘Caramel-Colored Gold,” Melody Nelson claims “Despite the increased awareness of the benefits of good nutrition, we are a nation hooked on junk food, and many school administrators are taking advantage of the situation ” (par. 3). Nelson propose a ban on vending machines in schools because junk food is unhealthy for children, and they risk future health problems. I agree with Melody Nelson and believe that vending machines should be banned from school campuses, because they sell unhealthy food, they cause more money to schools for hiring extra custodians, and they are affecting children learning abilities. First of all, these vending machines sell unhealthy food, which leads

For instance, if a school makes $20,000 a year out of these vending machines, they have to spend 25,000 to hire janitors and custodians for the extra load of work. Also, the school administrators are encouraging these vending machines just to earn the profit for the schools, but the real question is are they really earning profit? No. “The schools sell junk food so they can finance the purchase of such things as computers, teacher training, and other educational supplies” (par.8). I can understand that schools often need extra budget to manage their expenses, but they can do other things like organizing concerts, plays etc to earn the money, rather than relying on these vending machines. I also believe that parents are equally responsible for their child’s poor nutrition and health, because they give money to their children for buying the junk food. However, some parents do care about their children’s health “Parents group in Philadelphia have successfully blocked a 43-million dollar contract with Coca-Cola, and others have forced schools to sell only nutritious snacks during lunch” (par.18). These kind of actions should be taken on an emergency basis nationwide, because this is the matter for our future, which relies on the well-being of the

For example, the food these vending machines sell lack the quality and nutritional value. Also, if children eat food from these vending machines frequently than they are more likely to get ill. Children are getting addicted to the junk foods. Once, children get a taste of sugary, fatty and salty foods than they crave those foods more often. If children don’t get junk food, they behave aggressively. Furthermore, if children eat more sugary products they become hyper. The food from vending machines also causes lifelong health problems. “Lack of iron is the most widespread nutrition problem for children and adolescents, despite the iron fortification of food and other programs to combat this deficiency” (par.10). If we don’t get enough iron needed for our body, we can have negative effects on our health, and it also interrupts our children 's learning abilities. We need to make sure that our body gets all kind of nutrients needed for good health. If a child misses his or her school just because of eating junk food from these vending machines, than it is the alarming situation for all of us. Lack of nutrients especially iron are the main causes of weaker immune system, and if our immune system don’t work properly, our body loses the ability to fight against diseases and illnesses. Most the the children often miss school for weeks,