Case Study - healthy vending a hit with school pupils
According to UK manufacturer Westomatic, new vending opportunities in the educational sector are ripe for the picking. As the raging debate on vending in schools continues, the Company is thrilled to be able to come forward with publicity of the right kind. The Company has been part of a pilot scheme with South West-based operator, Select Vending Ltd, who are working closely with Devon Direct Services and Devon Procurement to offer a new healthy vending service for schools.
The three companies were involved in siting machines at Great Torrington Community School, which had been considering introducing vending to complement their catering service for some time. Since the installation of the SnackTime Duo at the beginning of March, they haven't looked back. The two-temperature machine offers the 900-plus pupils a wide choice of healthy snacks and drinks including products such as crisp bread snacks, cereal and fruit bars, a selection of refrigerated sandwiches and wraps freshly made on the premises, bottled water, fruit juice and milkshakes.
But what do the children think? Well so far it has been a resounding success! In fact Chris Sturman in year 9 was the first pupil to make use of the new machine and he has been very impressed; "I now use the machine regularly and my favourites are the crisp bread snacks and the drinks." Chris is just one of many, however, with over fifty pupils making use of the machine every break time. In fact, Head Teacher Di Nicholson and Kitchen Manager Lorraine Harris have been overwhelmed with the popularity of the machine. "We are currently filling the machine twice a day and are considering the possibility of siting a second machine to keep up with the demand. The machine is the centre of attention during break times!" explains Lorraine.
Select Vending and Westomatic were also thrilled at the level of uptake and the positive response from the staff and, critically, the school children. "It's almost the stuff of dreams to see the children actually queuing to use the machine and buy the healthy products on offer" comments Mark Rhodes, Westomatic's Marketing Manager. "We need to remember that children are the next generation of vending users and the success of this site just goes to show that, by working together, manufacturers and operators can play a proactive part in providing healthy refreshment in schools as well as the workplace."
- Article supplied by Westomatic Vending Limited - April 2005.
Schools give pupils 'Watering Holes'
One South Wales local authority is out in front in promoting healthy vending to their pupils. Following government policy they have introduced healthier snack and drink options to all secondary schools. Sixteen schools in total have been refurbished with the new Duo SnackPoint machines offering sandwiches, salads, fruit and healthy snacks.
The final phase of the project has taken place this year with the introduction of the Everest, a revolutionary new bottle vendor from Westomatic. The Everest is replacing some branded can and bottle machines that currently offer 'fizzy drinks'. The new machine can be stocked with a range of healthy beverages such as water, fruit juice and smoothies.