Optimizing Vending Machines: Key Considerations and Best Practices for Effective Implementation

Vending machines can be a way to provide reimbursable school meals to students. While they have appealing potential to increase student participation, it’s important to consider a variety of factors before adding a vending machine to your school meals program. This resource will help assess whether adding vending machines is a good fit for you. It details:

• Financial flags & considerations

• Successful vending machine scenarios

• Staffing needs

• Meal storage & temperature

• Engaging students & staff

• Use for one or multiple meal programs

• Other considerations

At the end of the resource, you’ll find five key questions to ask when considering adding a vending machine to your school meals program.

This resource was informed by conversations with school nutrition directors and industry experts who have utilized vending machines in their school meals programs and who are familiar with the wide breadth of vending machine options and experiences.