Over the years, the change in the vending machines at Edmond Memorial High School has been very minimal. Even though the school has well over ten vending machines, they are not spaced well and lack variety, as they have the same snacks and drinks at every single one. The school should have more to offer other than “Zero” sodas and whole grain 50 percent less fat foods.

Out of 42 responses on a survey offered to all students about the vending machines, 12 people said they never use the vending machines at all. With 23 individuals using them every week and the rest using them less frequently, this might be due to the fact that they are not consistently placed throughout the school. For example, there are none in the North end of the main building and only a few in the Freshman Academy, which could contribute to the lack of use.

Based on the survey responses, the average rating of the food in the vending machines is a 4.2/10 and the drinks a 5.2/10. One of the common reasons that the averages are low is because of the cost vs product.

“The [prices] need to be lowered tremendously if they think the food to air ratio in the packets is reasonable,” Junior Ingrid Olstad said.

Most of the snack options run from about $1.50 to $1.75, with drinks priced anywhere from $1 to $2. The price of water has a 25 to 50 cent difference based upon the vending machine. 

“I wish they had cheaper options like a package of crackers or Chex mix,” Senior Tess Bryan said. “Also, I wish they would lower the price of tea and keep it stocked, even if that means switching to a cheaper option like Peace Tea.”

Along with the high prices many students have also experienced issues with the vending machines stealing their money. The problem has reached a point where the machines even include a “use at your own risk” warning. 

“If the school or people who own the vending machines would return the money the machines have stolen that would be great,” Freshman Jennifer Weddington said. “Otherwise they [the machines] are getting free money that wasn’t earned.”

Another reason for these low ratings could be the lack of variety in the machines. The survey concluded that students would like to see different options such as Oreos, candy, regular sweet tea, non-baked chips, Gatorade and caffeinated products. 

“I think this generation is more caffeinated than others, so I think there should be more caffeine options like coffee drinks and energy drinks like Bangs,” chemistry teacher TJ Dortch said.

With limited time at lunch some students must resort to the use of vending machines, but with lack of options and cost efficiency, students and teachers agree that a change in the vending machines needs to happen. 

For more information contact Makinzy Todd and Hailey Paddock at [email protected]