Maya Little

MC’s Response to Veggie Vending Machines

The food industry attempted to make the consumption of vegetables or better yet, baby carrots much easier by installing baby carrot vending machines within several high schools.  Even though the food industry has started a $25 million campaign and high school results seem to be looking up; some MC students and employees are not for the vending machines being installed in MC.

 “That’s just gross!” said MC student, Marita Keane. “That’s an amazing idea. That will definitely encourage me to eat healthier. Even if I don’t purchase anything from the machine,” said Emmy Kochiesean. Manlius High School along with several other high schools throughout the country introduced their students to the carrot vending machine during early September.

Will colleges soon install them too? MC students and employees show a bittersweet attitude towards the installation of the “eat em like junk food” baby carrot vending machines.

The machines are designed to give people a different outlook on vegetables. With the intentions of drawing consumers to the machine, the baby carrots are packaged in what look to be imitations of junk food package.

“The packages look cool, but that doesn’t mean I want to buy them. I’m positive that this vending machine will not change my dislike for vegetables at all. I’ll walk pass it just like I walk pass any other vending machine,” said Tyrek Barney.

“I’m all for the healthy choices in the vending machine. Besides the cafeteria selections; we have to start somewhere,” says Kelsey Blakney after tugging at her blue and green Nike running shorts.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. When I think of vegetables, I think of fresh. Putting vegetables in vending machines just seems weird,” says MC Professor after giving a chuckle.

Regardless of the controversy over the baby carrot vending machines from the students and the employees, it is possible that MC may give the new vending machine a try.

Director of student development, Elaine White said that she was not familiar with the baby carrot vending machine; however it would be a good investment for the school because she believes “that this would appeal to some students”. “If we had space and the price was right,” said White.