NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Students returning to New Rochelle High School in September will notice something new about their vending machines – healthier snacks in bright, new displays.
Through a bid process, the City School District of New Rochelle has named a single company, Vita Vending, also known as Healthy Vending Machines New York, to install and supply all machines in the District. The company is known for its focus on healthy snacks.
“This will benefit the students, the teachers and the staff,” said District Purchasing Agent Meilisa Arlt. “By providing healthier snacks and beverage options to our students and staff, we can create a positive impact on their energy levels, health and performance. Teachers, staff and administrators will also have ample selections available to them.”
The District will receive a commission from the vendor averaging 38.91 percent. By contracting with a single vendor rather than multiple companies, the District will be able to exercise greater control and oversight on snack-offering machines throughout the District’s buildings.
A total of about 25 machines will be located in all 10 schools and the District offices at 515 North Ave. They are available for students at NRHS and for the faculty, staff and administration in all buildings. All offerings for students will meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Smart Snacks in School standards ensuring that foods sold to students from vending machines meet nutrition standards.
(Vending machines at the Campus Alternative School, in space leased from St. Gabriel’s Church, will continue to be operated by St. Gabriel’s as they are now, not by the District.)
The new machines will be in place in time for the start of classes in September.
The snacks will be presented in state-of-the-art, attractive machines that will not sport branding or ornamentation that promotes any particular snack brand. They will accept credit- and debit-card payments.
The company will submit reports monthly for efficient accounting.
“This arrangement will bring our vending machine service to the cutting edge,” said Assistant Superintendent for Business Jeffrey White. “It will bring brand new machines, centralized oversight so we know what our commission is at all times, and, most importantly, more nutritious snacks to help teens develop healthier eating habits both in school and out.”
