When people think of vending machines, the first thing that comes to mind is what type of snack they can get with the money they have. Vending machines that are placed in schools lure students into using money that was given to them, earned, or even found to buy a snack. Paint Branch, in my view, should not consider the return of vending machines at all. These sugar box machines should not make a return in the coming years, because the only thing these contraptions bring are unhealthy eating habits, and obesity.

Many negative aspects, Vending machines have including lines, which can cause students to be late to their classes. Trust me, teachers will not take the answer of “I was at the vending machine, and it was a long line” for an excused tardy. The truth is, the anonymous quote I found online truly captures the essence of vending machines: “Don’t waste all your money at the vending machines. It’s just the devil in disguise.” Vending machines don’t provide anything except unwanted temptation.

Vending machines tempt you to buy what they have in stock, which is often snacks like Skittles, Twix or even a full chocolate bar. Of course, teens will not miss out on an opportunity to buy their favorite snack if they have the money to afford it, but these snacks are poor choices.

A number of schools in the United States like Paint Branch have created rules or made the decision to restrict the sale of certain foods and drinks. Some states or school districts have even enacted laws to replace the selling of carbonated beverages with milk, juice, and water. For me, I think that’s an outstanding idea.

We need to focus on making today’s youth the healthiest and best-educated in our nation’s history. We won’t succeed if our school environments and our students aren’t healthy. If we allow vending machines in schools, then today’s children may be the first generation to have shorter life expectancies others due to their contributions to unhealthy eating habits.