SHS Vending Healthy Choices Over Junk

Chips and candy are nowhere to be found in this nutrition-friendly vending machine.

The Souhegan School Nutrition Department has completed the installation of a new refrigerated vending machine that distributes meals and healthy snacks using student lunch accounts.

This new setup provides students with healthy food options in the Annex all day, including the afternoon and evening. It also has the ability to provide a lunch in less than 20 seconds, which will hopefully alleviate the traffic in the cafeteria on busy double block days.

“We are the first in the state to have this state of the art vending machine that allows students to use their school meal accounts for the purchase of either meals or refrigerated healthy snacks”, explains Danielle Collins SAU 39 School Nutrition Director.

All the foods are homemade by the talented School Nutrition staff.  The machine is filled daily with items such as: fresh whole fruit, Saber Salad Meals (which include milk and a fruit), Saber Sandwich Meals (which include milk and a fruit), yogurt parfaits (with homemade granola), fresh fruit cups and homemade hummus with celery sticks, carrot sticks and cucumbers.

They will also be offering California Rolls, custom sandwiches made on Pretzel rolls and other unique breads, and will alternate options based on the suggestions of our students. 

Students who receive the benefit of free and reduced lunch can also utilize this machine for the purchase of meals during the lunch period because of the technology allows it to operate like a serving line with complete anonymity.

Collins said that parents, students and staff are appreciating these convenient, healthier options in the high school. Selling the vending machine’s stock has not been an issue so far.

“The machine basically sells out,” she said. 

The convenience of a fresh, nutritional meal can be a lifesaver for those in the school community with busy schedules.

“Dinner for me on those nights when I can’t get out before an event” said Gigi Klipa, Dean of Faculty.