Introduction
There are many concerns related to the introduction of vending machines in schools. The opinions toward the vending machine’s application in educational organizations are divided into two camps. One side believes that the vending machine is detrimental and should not be used in schools to sell unhealthy food options. In their view, food in the vending machines leads to obesity due to its high sugar content. On the contrary, the other side supports the belief that the vending machines are helpful in school because of the variety of food during lunchtime, the possibility of selling other non-edible items, and increased school revenue. Both sides provide a decent clarification of their position regarding this issue. Therefore, it would be argued that vending machines should be in schools.
Main body
The first reason which justifies implementing the vending machines in schools is to give an option during lunchtime. This option is related not only to the choice of food but also to the budget. For example, students with a limited budget will pick a cheaper alternative that the vending machines usually provide. The vending machines are automized and do not require bills for human labor, which are typically included in the cost of food in the cafeteria. Moreover, the vending machines make food affordable regardless of location. This eliminates the need to travel a long distance to access food or other non-edible items. The availability of the vending machines could save a lot of time.
The vending machines could be used for non-edible options as well. They could provide student and staff recourses required for different purposes. For example, in case a student has lost a pen or pencil before the exam, he or she could easily have it at any time using the vending machines. Also, the vending machines with hygienic items could be established in the bathrooms, so girls could easily access sanitary pads and other necessary items in case of sudden menstruation. The enhanced versions of the vending machines could also automate different procedures such as signing up for after-school events and athletics.
Another reason for the implementation of vending machines in schools is that they increase schools’ revenue. An extensive budget obtained by the vending machines could be directed to pay bills, purchase new books, and cover school trips. Moreover, it could give an additional star point to the administration because people have immediate access to their demand items. The satisfaction level also positively affects the total revenue attained by the school as staff and students encourage the use of vending machines. In addition, schools could direct the budget to improve studying conditions and locations in schools.
Nevertheless, many people are concerned about opposing sides, such as unhealthy diet and obesity resulting from constant consumption of food from the vending machine. Usually, the vending machines indeed contain harmful food and drinks with a high concentration of sugar. Students who continuously consume that kind of food could have obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure. Therefore, the best option would be to offer healthy food such as fruit snacks, cereals, and yogurts. Furthermore, it helps students to control their snacking habits. Food introduced in the vending machines should be not only healthy but also affordable.
Conclusion
To conclude, it could be said that the vending machines should be established in schools because of their convenience in accessing the food and other necessary items. The various choice would help students save money and time regarding their nutrition. Moreover, there is no need to leave the campus as non-food items are also readily available. Increased school revenue allows for improving studying conditions as well as increased satisfaction levels among students and staff. Offering healthy options could eliminate the problem of obesity and an unhealthy diet.