Vending machines are in most workplaces. A majority of the adult population is at work for a large part of the day, therefore it is important to offer healthy foods at the worksite.  The employees will eat what is offered, so offer them healthier food in order for them to be healthier and for the employer to enjoy the benefits of a healthier employee.

Criteria for choosing healthier foods for your vending machine

No less than 50% of the snacks/meals sold from your vending machines should meet the following criteria:

• 30% or less calories from fat
• 10% or less calories from saturated fat
• 35% or less sugar by weight (not counting fruits or vegetables)
• 480 mg of sodium or less
• A minimum of 2 grams of dietary fiber preserving
• Limit trans fat

Regarding beverages, no less than 50 % of drinks sold from your vending machines should meet the following criteria:

• Choose beverages that contain 100% fruit juice.
• Water
• Nonfat or 1% milk
• 12 ounces or less serving sizes (no limit on water).

• Identify the individual in your worksite that deals with the vendors and/or vending contracts.
• Set up a meeting between you and the identified individual at your worksite in order to talk about their connection with the vendor.  Explain the healthy goals that you have in order for them to have a complete understanding.
• Set up a meeting between you, the worksite vendor contact, and the vendor to discuss the availability of specific healthier food items for your vending machines using the above guidelines.
• Figure out how many healthier items you want in the vending machine.  You should stock your machines with at least 50% of items meeting the nutritional criteria.
• Label the healthier side of the vending machine appropriately.  It is important that the employees are aware of the healthier options.  The vending company may have labels or signs for the healthier options.
• Make sure that you let the vendor know that you do not want them decreasing the amount of healthier options in the machine. 
• When the machine is stocked and labeled, monitor the purchases in order to have the most popular healthier items in there at all times.
• Be sure to keep at least 50% of the machine stocked with healthier options.  They might not be in high demand at first, but will be overtime.

See foods that have been analyzed by Winners Circle and meet the above criteria. (requires Microsoft Excel)

Other examples of healthier snacks and beverages you can have in your vending machines.

To find out what the Winners Circle Nutritional Criteria for vending

Find out what healthier snacks and beverages you can have in your vending machines according to Winners Circle.

Canteen’s Balanced Choices

Balanced Choices selections include low carbohydrate, sugar free, reduced fat, caffeine free, hydrating beverages, and soy products. The Balanced Choices icon also guarantees you get the nutritional facts you need to make informed purchasing decisions.
 
Balanced Choices offerings are available in Canteen’s snack, beverage and cold food machines across the country.  For more information contact Will Steppe: 684-8181 or 1-800-357-0012 Ext. 3286065.

Best Choice Vending Company

Best Choice vending company agrees to work with local employers in order to keep healthier snacks stocked in their machines.  If you request healthier snack options, Best Choice Vending will grant your request.  To find out how you can have a healthier vending machine, call Ron at 687-1896.  Don’t forget to make the initial request for a percentage of your machine to be healthier!

Tristar Vending

Patricia Roy from Tristar Vending stated: “…we’re dedicated to natural foods! 
We’re here to provide people and their families with an alternative to traditionally vended fare.  Our entire product line is free from trans fats, synthetic ingredients, artificial flavors and colors – and guaranteed yummy!  We’d be happy to design a program with you for your workplace to fit any criteria you’re after – low fat, low sugar, low carb, or just plain natural.”
Contact: Patricia Roy 254.8445 or 337.7738

**If your vending company is willing to offer healthier snack options, then feel free to post your request on the Bulletin Board in order to potentially be added to this list.