Running a plant includes such crazy fun tasks as dealing with what goes in our vending machines. Right now they are filled with sugary junk such as candy bars and chips. Help me find 5 healthy alternatives that also are affordable. The guys at my plant don’t make much and they are not going to pay extra to eat healthy. All I want is to provide a few healthy alternatives to the candy bars that are currently available.
I have talked to the company stocking the machines and I am getting nowhere. The reply I got was “No one is buying celery from a vending machine”. Clearly these guys don’t know what I am talking about and are trying to minimize the issue. I don’t think I did myself a favor with my opening question “Why are the machines full of shit?”
So what are 5 healthy and affordable snacks for a vending machine?
dried fruit
nuts
(or combine the two for trail mix)
animal crackers (not super healthy, but better than most)
granola bars - endless healthy choices here.
box cereal (you’ll have to find the healthy ones cuz there’s tons of bad ones).
Are you strictly limited to the vending machine? Where I work we have vending machines that are filled with what you would expect to find in one so a group of employees formed a wellness program and offered an alternative. They get together in the kitchen every couple days and set out little bags of small fruits, almonds, veggies, fruit snacks (not so healthy), beef jerkey, apples, bananas and so on. There are a couple baskets that hold the goodies with a price sheet and a bucket to drop your money in, its the honor system and it seems to be working so far, the prices range from $0.50 to $1.00. I don’t think there is any profit in the deal but I’m sure they are covering the cost of the snacks. I bring my food from home but in a pinch I have been thankful that the option is open to me so I can kill a craving if necessary!
That sounds awesome. Unfortunately the environment we are in does not lend itself for something like that. However, I might take it upon myself and bring in fruit and use the honor system. It’s worth a try.
I like those flat fruit bars that are shaped like Laffy Taffy’s. Not exactly sure what they’re called. Problem though is that they’re super thin and you end up eating two. Or three. Or four. Carton.
+1 Lara Bars. Not sure what kind of pricing you get, but they would be a good alternative to candy bars.
What about pretzels or a version popcorn? Not super healthy, but can limit damage done by chocolate bars and doritos. If they are looking to get a snack–they may be open to one of these intermediate options.
some pretzels are not so bad. I have a cabinet in my office with 6 cases of Pro Bars. Not vending machine food, but an great meal alternative that tastes good.
