Vending Machines and Obesity - Research Paper Example

Food access and obesity in schools Food accessibility can be more easily controlled in places where the managers and administrators have the desire to follow measures to control health for people who consume food from such places. Schools are increasingly showing more concern towards the increasing obesity among young students. They are replacing their own menus with hygienic food items that are more essential for good health.

They are also monitoring the food items in their vending machines. Foods dispensed by such vending machines have the appropriate calorie content. Since eating habits are automatic they cannot be controlled by young children on their own as they do not have the capacity to think carefully and control what they eat. Therefore it is necessary for managers of food serving establishments like school cafeterias to maintain the quality and quantity of food for every student (Waters et al, 2010, p.117).

Vending machines as a source of revenue for schools It is generally seen that in schools vending machines are used to sell foods that have a high content of fat and sugar. Such foods are unhealthy and contribute to obesity. These foods are always in high demand among students and so schools can earn high revenues for various activities. In such cases, it becomes even more difficult to impose regulations on food items (Waters et.al, 2010, p.81). According to statistics, about 17 percent of children in the United States suffer from obesity.

This condition is abetted by the fact that schools are using their vending machines to raise funds. However, schools are becoming more concerned over the health of students and so currently many schools are installing vending machines that are filled with natural and hygienic foods. This is obviously a very important step taken to fight obesity. Because many schools are still more interested in earning money from the sale of foods, therefore the schools are subjected to regular scrutiny. Schools are now required to install vending machines that are stocked with “bottled water, all-natural cereal bars, fresh fruits and vegetables, tea and yogurt” (Fresh Healthy Vending…., 2011, p.30).