The contents of school vending machines contribute to bad eating habits and poor nutrition, a new study shows.
U.S. researchers examined the impact that vending machine foods had on the food choices of 5,930 students at 152 schools. The vending machines in 83% of the schools sold foods with minimal nutritional value, including chips, sodas and sweets.
In elementary schools that sold fruits and vegetables in vending machines, students ate more produce overall than students in schools that didn't offer such healthy choices. By the same token, students ate more sweets overall if they went to schools with vending machines that sold sweets.
The findings were published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Source: USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/food/diet-nutrition/2010-12-02-school-vending-machines_N.htm