School Vending Machines
Schools are traditional sites for the provision of vending machines, where they have traditionally been used for the sale of soft drinks and snacks. Over the past few years, however, the objections on health ground to providing fizzy drinks to children, and the subsequent move towards healthier foods has led to many machines being removed from schools. This is a short sighted policy in many respects, as schools vending machines can also be used to sell a range of items that are healthier for children including cereal bars, smoothies, fruit juice and bottled water. Also, removal of machines from school premises takes away the much needed income that vending machines can generate for the school to support wider educational activity.
Schools based vending machines have a much wider range of benefits beyond providing refreshments to students. They can also be used to sell a range of other non-food items including general stationery, books, pens, pencils, rubbers, calculators and drawing equipment etc. Provision of such supplies by this route helps save teaching time and supports independence, as students have the means at their disposal to replace commonly used materials and equipment.
Many schools are used by the community outside school hours, for educational, sport and leisure activities. Provision of refreshments on site is a valuable service for users of the facilities; likewise the provision of tennis balls, table tennis balls, and shuttlecocks etc, all of which can be sold through vending machines, providing further funds for the school.
Vending machines can also make a valuable contribution to promoting physical and sexual health within a school setting, whether this be through provision of condoms or items for personal hygiene.
Over the past few years, Intelligent Vending has gained considerable experience working with schools and colleges to deliver vending solutions to overcome day to day problems. We would be pleased to advise you how best to use vending within an educational setting, and what benefits you can gain, particularly in the area of sexual health.
