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McLean High School students say restricted vending machine hours, low stock and limited snack choices leave them without reliable access to food during much of the school day.
Four of the school’s five vending machines are in the cafeteria and can be used only during lunch periods. The remaining machine, located across from the lower gym in the red hallway, is available only after school.
“The machines aren’t actually available when people want to get food,” sophomore Dylan Munk said. “It doesn’t make sense that they are only open during lunch, when there’s already so many other food options.”
The restrictions can create problems for students who miss lunch because of academic obligations. Junior Sarah Winston said a math test retake once consumed her entire lunch period. By the time she finished, the vending machines were closed, and she could not get lunch.
Students also report finding machines empty or poorly stocked even when they are permitted to use them.
“Even when I do want to get chips [from the vending machines] during lunch, they are usually empty,” Munk said.
After classes end, one machine must serve students participating in sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities. Freshman Maggie Bryant said it is the only place to buy food between the end of school and the start of practice, but heavy demand often leaves it empty.
When stocked, the machine primarily carries items such as baked chips, Rice Krispies treats and Cheez-Its. Some students want more substantial choices, including granola bars, trail mix and protein bars.
“Most of the options are just chips or Rice Krispies treats, which aren’t really filling for a snack before a long practice,” Winston said. “I wish there were more filling and healthy snacks because those would be better for people who have sports right after school.”
Students said longer operating hours could make the machines useful during passing periods, before school and at other times outside lunch.
“I wish the vending machines were always open,” Munk said.
Winston said more students would likely use the machines if they offered better choices and were available more often. Under the current system, she said, students cannot count on them.