The vending machines in the Bromfield cafeteria were well-loved by students. Sophomore Savannah Senykoff says “[they] were such a staple of my lunch.” Yet, after being online and the return to in-person learning, the appliances were no longer there. The question still remains – will the vending machines be reinstalled? Ms. Murphy, the high school principal, states “probably not.” 

This may come as a surprise or a disappointment, but the school has adapted to the snacks that the cafeteria staff offers, so there is no need for the machines to be reinstalled. Compared to the processed chips and candy that the machines sold to students, the school meal program provides a healthier variety of food that is prepared in hopes of providing the nutrients that students require. Elani Burns, director of nutrition services adds, “[Vending machines] are really not favored in schools, they don’t promote the nutritional standards that are required by state and federal regulations.” The current snacks that the Bromfield cafeteria offers do consist of similar things that were sold in the vending machines. However, there is also a wider variety of food, which, overall, aims to benefit schools and their students. 

The vending machines were not taken away due to COVID-19 restrictions, so even though most COVID-related precautions have been lifted, there is no reason to bring them back. The main reason behind the removal of vending machines is that the food and drink they sold are not ideal for a student’s diet. The food program at Bromfield has changed within the past couple of years, designed to improve the diets of students. Consequently, the current system is more suitable for the health of the community.