Healthy Vending Resources
The National Association of Blind Merchants is dedicated to working with stakeholders to make sure we are at the forefront of healthy vending and concessions initiatives. Our industry is affected greatly by these initiatives, and we are aware of how important any and all resources can be as our industry evolves. Below find some useful tools to help guide you:
Iowa Department of Public Health's Vending Guidance
Overweight and obesity are increasing in epidemic proportions and are afflicting not only adults, but youth as well. Eating is one behavior that is greatly influenced by the workplace. Work is where many people spend the majority of their waking hours. Blind vendors of Randolph-Sheppard are in a unique position. We stand at the crossroads between serving customers and ensuring that Randolph-Sheppard businesses thrive. We are proud to collaborate with partners such as Iowa Department of Public Health. After developing surveys and guidance, they have worked closely with the Department for the Blind and Iowa Assocation of Blind Merchants with amazing success.
The [above] guidelines were put together by the Health and Human Services (HHS) and the General Services Administration (GSA). The goal of the guidelines is to assist contractors in maximizing a healthier food service in vending machines for their customers.
GSA/HHS Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations
These guidelines apply to all food service concession operations and vending machines managed by HHS and GSA. These guidelines may also be applied at sponsored or co-sponsored conferences and events onsite and offsite, as deemed appropriate. Finally, this is a living document and will be updated as nutrition science and consumer demands evolve.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) created the Fit Pick program to help schools and workplaces implement a program that identifies products that meet specific nutrition guidelines. [The above] Fit Pick™ Guide to Planning and Implementation provide easy-to-follow, step-by-step assistance for successfully implementing and promoting vending options that support a healthy lifestyle.
CSPI Urges FDA to Determine Safe Limits on Sugars in Beverages
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to determine safe usages of added sugars in certain beverages and foods, including carbonated and non-carbonated non-alcoholic drinks, which include energy drinks, sports drinks and fruit drinks.
Beverage Industry Responds to CSPI Petition to FDA
The American Beverage Association issued a response to the CSPI's petition to the FDA, arguing that the beverage industry has increased options and information for consumers, and that these consumers have a choice about what they drink.
FDA's New Menu and Vending Machines Labeling Requirements: Proposed Rules
The Food and Drug Administration provides the summaries, outlines and analyses of the new proposed rules and regulations for nutrition labeling in the vending industry due to the passing of new health care legislation.
Nemours, a non-profit children's health organization with hospitals and clinics in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida, produced a healthy vending guide which includes an easy breakdown of healthier vending options as well as sample policies for your business.
