New vending machine installed in AHS cafeteria

A new vending machine has just been installed in the Aurora High School cafeteria at the request of the administration this September, as the contract with the previous company had run out. The lack of food options that troubled the student population earlier this school year looks to be resolved.

As to why the change in companies occurred, according to Assistant Principal Brian Brookhart, “With the company that we were going through...the machines were breaking down quite a bit.”

Since the contract ended, the administration took the opportunity not to renew the contract with that particular vending machine company, and instead opted to start the search for a new, better company.

“Senior Senate is discussing the possibilities of a new company,” said Brookhart. The Senior Senate has already succeeded in putting a Keurig coffee-maker in the senior room.

Before the end of September, it was decided to install a new vending machine from the company Fresh and Healthy Vending. This new machine has gotten the student’s attention, a group of twenty of them hovering around the new addition in their study hall early last week.

In the time before the new machine was installed, Lauren Hall, junior, said, “I want more options...make a healthy vending machine.” This seems to be exactly the same opinion of the administration in choosing a new company.

Fresh and Healthy Vending’s machine has much more nutritious options filling their slots than most other vending machine companies. While good old chocolate chip cookies are still available, Popchips, kettle corn, and nutrition bars have replaced candy bars and Doritos in the new model. Various fruit drinks and water bottles are also accessible for purchase.

Other suggestions have also been heard from students. “The new ones should accept five dollar bills,” said Samantha Marotta, junior. The Fresh and Healthy Vending’s machines do in fact accept five dollar bills which is a welcome change. They are also capable of accepting credit and debit cards if one does not have cash on them.

Most of the interviewed students were glad to know the vending machines have returned to the AHS cafeteria, even if the rice krispie treats are whole grain.