Everything that is good has its own set of bad. There is nothing perfect. If the latest car and phone models are not perfect. This is exactly why they are constantly on the upgrade mode. In terms of taking care of our health, factoring our habits in the equation is necessary in knowing whether or not we are healthy enough.
Students especially should be very critical in terms of their health. Since they need to juggle their education, family and social life a fully functional health is vital. School meal vending machines are therefore created to make sure that they have access to foods in case they need it anytime of the day. It has helped in some ways, but critics are quick to argue that they are not the best solution. To understand this dynamic, let us check the good and the bad things about these machines.
First, it is more accessible. Imagine a student who is already late in class and has not yet taken his breakfast. Going to the canteen just to get something to eat is not an option. It takes more time and there is no guaranteed that he is first in the line. With the machines, he only needs to drop a bill and select what he wants to have. It is that simple.
But while this is indeed convenient, it has also encouraged students to be too lazy to find something more healthy to eat. Remember that foods on these machines are not fresh as the ones you get when you go to the canteen or shops outside the campus. Also, there are only limited choices found here which can limit the amount of nutrients that their body needs to sustain their activities for the whole day.
Another good thing is its safety. There are some students who are very critical about the foods that they eat. There is nothing wrong with being critical if it is about safety. In fact, it is encouraged. Vending machines are first approved by the school before they are allowed to operate. Meaning safety and sanitation procedures are taken.
The disadvantage comes in the variety of foods inside these units. You cannot find a fresh cooked goods in there. They are all stored for quite some time. Baked goods and sodas are among the top picsk. Both are rich in sugar which are not good especially when consumed at high levels.
Then we have this benefit of fast and affordable service. For students who have a lot of things to do, going for something that is affordable and at the same time less expensive is a better choice. If it is to satiate your hunger, then vending machine products will do.
Bad thing is, most of the foods in these units are packed with preservatives. If you want to be healthy, you will refrain from taking in preservatives as much as you can. They may be more affordable. But if it is at the cost of your health, then it is not worth it in the end.
It is not totally bad to try eating some of the foods available in vending machines. There may be times when they are the best options that you have. Just be reminded that fresh goods are still the best in terms of nutrition.
Read more about Good And Bad Sides Of School Meal Vending Machines.