We have covered the debates on school food changing from unhealthy to healthy snacks. Also, we have reported on a change in the "snack food" consensus. National snacking habits are simply getting healthier. People are becoming increasingly aware of the snacks they eat throughout the day. The snacking industry is a huge "money pot," with billions of dollars of revenue per year. But companies like Frito-Lay, and their parent company, PepsiCo, are expanding their healthy snack lineups. Think of the vending customers you serve. Healthy vending machine sales could increase, with this popularity rise in healthy snacking. Parents recognize the increasing obesity rates in America; they also want better lives for their kids. Overall, the American "snacking landscape" is moving from full calorie, to low calorie and nutritious offerings. But getting kids and students to change their snacking habits is a bit tricky. One elementary school student commented that he liked healthy food, but also loved snacks. This is the dilemma for schools. They get their revenue from vending machine sales. So serving up what students may not enjoy is also a financial concern. But the bill in the Senate does not want to take away the snacks; it wants to refine what is available. Some "bad for you" snacks might go away, but most snacks will be healthier, and remain tasty for the students. This bill is proposed to add $4.5 billion dollars to the nation's educational budget. Overall, the bill would help students get healthier meals, and provide grants to schools for purchasing local produce. For the school vending machine, things would change. Sugary snacks and sodas would be limited, or removed. But low or no-calorie soda, fruit juice and milk would be offered. As well, whole grain or healthy snacks would be available. Kevin Concannon, the United States Department of Agriculture's undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services stated that a long-term goal of the country is getting kids to eat healthier. And for a potential vending machine owner, it is important to think about this. The overall healthy snack market for snack companies has been steadily growing since the early 2000's. For the future, healthy snacking will most likely experience growth. A healthy vending machine is a good business choice. It can potentially expand vending sales, due to the rise in popularity with healthy snacking. And do not forget, traditional snacks are still great sellers. PepsiCo for example just created a "designer salt," which offers lower sodium, but the same great flavor enhancement. Essentially, most snack companies are refining their traditional snacks, to meet the consumer demand for 2010 and the future. Contact United Marketing to buy a healthy vending machine. We have vending machine experts ready to answer your questions. |