There are currently 5 million vending machines in the United States serving snacks and beverages every day, 24/7. While their servicing is extremely convenient, the vast majority of these machines offer few healthy options to consumers.
In a bid to change that, the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), which represents the $25 billion vending machine industry, has recently announced that it has committed to substantially increase the amount of “better for you” options across all of the nation’s vending machines.
With the support from the Partnership for a Healthier America and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation – two nonprofits that work to alleviate obesity in young Americans – NAMA’s 1,000 member companies have agreed to ensure that one-third of all of the snacks in the vending machines will meet at least two recognized public health standards.
The commitment will be implemented over the next three years and is the latest and most comprehensive effort by the industry directed at public health.
