title: Healthier snacks in school vending machines: a pilot project in four Ontario high schools.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Healthy Vending Machine Pilot Project (HVMPP) was a public health initiative intended to create a healthier school nutrition environment by making healthier snacks available in vending machines, while maintaining a profit margin. The HVMPP was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Vending machines were stocked with healthier choices and conventional vending products at a 50:50 ratio. The HVMPP was implemented from February to May 2007 in four Ontario secondary schools in Middlesex-London, Elgin, and Oxford counties. Product sales were tracked, and focus groups were conducted to obtain students' opinions about healthy eating and vending choices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  "Healthier choice" sales ranged from 14% to 17%. In all schools, vending revenues declined from 0.7% to 66%. A majority of participants had substantial knowledge of healthy eating and were in favour of healthier choices in vending machines; however, price, value, and taste were barriers that led them to purchase these products rarely. Students preferred to have "real" healthy snacks, such as yogurt, fruit, and vegetables, available in schools.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Replacing 50% of vending stock with healthier snacks resulted in a decline in vending revenues. Future health programs in schools need to provide "real" healthy snacks, such as low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
authors.affiliation: Middlesex-London Health Unit, London, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Callaghan
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mandich
authors.forename: Meizi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: He
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D057140:Fast Foods / Q000191:economics; D017144:Focus Groups; D005518:Food Preferences; D005522:Food Services / Q000191:economics; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012574:Schools