Food Services Director Tests Vending Machine Makeover 

Food Services Director Jody Houston has an open mind when it comes to new approaches, so she jumped at the chance to test a concept that could reinvent the school vending machine.

Vending machines were one of the first targets in school anti-obesity campaigns, because they traditionally contained high-calorie foods with little nutritional value. School districts have either yanked them from campuses, which cost them revenue, or stocked them with healthier snack choices.

But in the Corpus Christi Independent School District, where Houston has directed child nutrition for 21 years, the vending machine is getting a makeover. The change may make it a popular - and profitable - part of school life once again.

Called Healthy Vending, the new machines include nutritious meals and side items to give kids healthy options whenever they're hungry - including before and after school. 

Houston saw the potential benefits and initiated the first pilot program in the state. Branded "Deli Zone," the vending machines contain 26 healthy choices for meals and snacks, including items such as a turkey and cheese wrap, chicken salad, fresh broccoli, carrot sticks, fresh fruit and yogurt. Students pay by cash, or enter a PIN number if they qualify for a reimbursable program.

So far the pilot program, which began in three high schools last August, has had positive results.

"We think it has a future," Houston said. "If things work well, we could get more [vending machines] for next year."

The machines are currently located in each school's cafeteria, where they can be closely monitored during the lunch period. However, the ultimate goal is to place them throughout a campus, so meals are available any time.

The machines may offer a convenient breakfast for kids on the go, or breakfast in the classroom programs. 

"Just imagine if a machine is placed outside the gymnasium and it's 5 o'clock when students are playing volleyball," Houston said. "They can get a wrap and milk instead of going to the concession stand to buy a Frito pie and Coke."

Houston, who has an MBA, as well as a degree in nutrition, sees a potential advantage on the financial side of the equation as well. Assuming participation is robust, she said, "We may give consideration to sharing profits."

Houston has demonstrated a good instinct for effective new programs in the past. In the early 1990s, the Corpus Christi ISD was one of only three Texas districts and among 30 in a nation to be invited to participate in the Nutrient Standard Menu Planning program launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As part of the program, Corpus Christi ISD sent some of its key cooks and bakers to California to learn to prepare healthier recipes. Since then, menus have been continuously analyzed to find ways to provide more nutritious meals. Just last year, schools added whole wheat flour to rolls and French bread, and increased offerings of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Houston, who is vice president of the Texas Association of School Nutrition, says she feels fortunate to be part of the solution to healthier eating and addressing the obesity crisis.  "I think part of the solution is in educating students, parents, school board members and anyone who comes in contact with our meals to provide them with the knowledge of what we do and what a nutritious meal is."

USDA allows schools to use vending machines to provide reimbursable meals provided that the schools notify the Texas Department of Agriculture of their intent to use vending machines, and provided the schools continue to meet all program requirements. If you are operating, or intend to operate, vending machines as a means of serving reimbursable meals, please notify us of your intent or current disposition by calling (888) TEX-KIDS.