Students are no longer starving for snacks at John I. Burton. Since last year, Burton has decided to start snacking healthier. On Monday, September 15, many students walked into our school astounded by the new vending machines. Students have been awaiting the arrival of the new vending technology since the first day of school. Many of my peers have been curious about what types of food could be held in these healthy snack machines; lucky for us, the wait is over.Our new vending machines have a variety of healthy snacks to choose from. The new potato chip options come from the brand All Natural Popchips. The flavors for this brand consist of sour cream and onion, barbecue, original, cheddar and sour cream, and Special K honey barbecue. Students also have the option to choose Oven-Baked Cheetos. Other snacking options include chocolate chip mini cookie bites, whole grain Cheez-It's, cinnamon and strawberry whole grain Pop-Tarts, baked Goldfish, Dole mixed fruit, golden Graham Crackers, apple cinnamon Cheerios, chocolate and strawberry wholesome oatmeal bars, Nature Valley crunchy oats and honey bars, roasted salted Cashews, Nature Valley fruit and nut trail-mix bar, Special K strawberry bar, and raisins. New drink options include Zevia zero calorie soda, La Croix natural orange flavored sparkling water, fat free plus milk, Propel water, Pristine Springs water, and zero calorie Vitamin Water.
I asked a variety of students their opinion on the new vending machines. I mostly received the same responses throughout the interviews including comments such as: "I do not like them" and "I think they are a bad idea." Niko G. stated, "They took away the choice between healthy and non-healthy, and they restricted us to only healthy options."
The new vending machines are next to the gymnasium, and beside the health room. Be sure to check these out, and at least try the new healthy snacking options.