The not so healthy vending machine...

          Many institutes today are switching their vending machines to only include a healthy selection. With the growing concern of obesity in North America, this naturally appears to be an excellent idea. A healthy future is something that society should strive for. Unfortunately, the healthy vending machines sit mostly un-used and I find myself going across the street to the nearest corner store, and I’m not the only to do so.

            A large problem is in-fact the presentation of the healthy items. The packaging and the names of the various fruit snacks is just unappealing to the consumers. The lack of proper marketing is also a huge factor. I’m much more likely to see an ad for a coffee crisp bar than a nature valley trail mix bar. As for my school, Simon Fraser University, it’s actually hard to find the previously mentioned vending machines. They are hidden behind a wall around a corner with a very small sign on the wall leading to them. When I finally managed to find a machine, the only thing appealing to me was the diet pop. Right next to it was a large yellow checkmark indicating that it was a healthy item. As we all know, diet pop beverages have a very particular ingredient, Aspartame. It is an artificial sweetener that had been surrounded by controversy since its approval in 1974 (Wikipedia). It also has been linked to an increased probability of developing Multiple Sclerosis. In my opinion this is not so healthy.  Although healthy vending machines are a good idea, the follow through is subpar.