Community Corner

YMCA Gets Healthier Vending Machines

HUMAN (Helping Unite Mankind and Nutrition) vending machines have replaced traditional machines in Tampa area YMCAs.

Members of Northdale's YMCA now have more nutritious options when it comes to refreshments.

Vending machines at Tampa-area YMCA locations - including the Bob Sierra YMCA at 4029 Northdale Boulevard - were recently replaced with HUMAN (Helping Unite Mankind and Nutrition) vending machines that are said to offer the healthiest options when it comes to snacks and beverges. 

"We want to make this part of the culture of the YMCA, its families, and the community," said Kathy Rabon, spokeswoman for Tampa-area YMCA's.

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The white and green machines help promote a “5-2-1-almost none philosophy,” said Rabon.

The philosophy calls for children and families to, each day, eat five servings of fruits or vegetables, spend less than two hours of time in front of the TV, get one hour of exercise and have almost no sugary beverages.

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“All soda and non-healthy snack vending machines have been removed from all branches and all meetings feature only healthy snacks or meals,” Rabon said of the change. “Juice is limited and installed only in machines near the wellness floor for the purpose of assisting diabetics.

“The machines also provide information on food content as well,” Rabon added.

Gone are options such as sugary sports drinks, now replaced with Muscle Milk Light (100 calories) and snacks such as Pirate's Booty baked rice and corn puffs.

According to healthyvending.com, HUMAN was founded in 2008 and has machines in 40 states, plus Canada and Puerto Rico. Ten percent of profits are donated to organizations that fight obesity.

Do you like the new HUMAN vending machines? Tell us in the comments section below.


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