--- title: The Importance of Healthy Vending Machines description: Employees may turn to vending machines when they skip meals, have hunger pains, or have to stay late at work. image: https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/file-1046479864-jpg/blog-files/healthy-vending-machine.jpg --- [**](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/the-importance-of-healthy-vending-machines#tmpmodule_1568675152246189) - [Client Login](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/gibson-client-login) - [Contact Us](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/contact) **** [![Gibson Logo](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png?width=2518&height=1088&name=Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png) ![Gibson Logo](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png?width=2518&height=1088&name=Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png) ](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/) [**](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/the-importance-of-healthy-vending-machines#tmpmodule_1568675152246189) - [Services](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services/employee-benefits) - [Business Insurance](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services/business-insurance) - [Private Client Group](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services/private-client-group) - [Industries](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/industries) - [Insights & News](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog) - [Insights & News](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog) - [Webinars](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/webinars) - [Podcast](https://podcast.thegibsonedge.com) - [About Us](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/about-us) - [Become a Partner](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/become-a-partner) - [Leadership](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/leadership) - [Community Impact](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/impact) - [Sightline](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/sightline) - [About URA](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/ura) - [Offices](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/offices) - [Careers](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/careers) ** ###### 2 min read # [The Importance of Healthy Vending Machines](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/the-importance-of-healthy-vending-machines) Dec 4, 2013 3:39:00 AM ![Healthy vending machine](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/file-1046479864-jpg/blog-files/healthy-vending-machine.jpg?width=250&name=healthy-vending-machine.jpg)For most employees, vending machines represent eating based on necessity or impulse. Employees may turn to vending machines when they skip breakfast, miss lunch, have afternoon hunger pains or have to stay late at work – or just have a craving for something sweet. The snacks offered in vending machines are generally unhealthy, but in many situations these snacks are the only food available. ## The Problem Snacking on soft drinks, candy bars and chips several times a week can detract from an overall healthy diet and lead to weight gain. Plus, many of the typical vending machine choices offer little nutritional value or substance, and could leave the employee hungry again soon after – leading to more unhealthy eating. This can drastically affect your [health care costs](https://www.gibsonins.com/employee-benefit/what-we-do/), as obesity is a catalyst for many other illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Even employees who are health-conscious often forget to bring healthy snacks to work, leaving the vending machine as the only option. ## Your Solution You can help employees choose healthier snacks at work by controlling what is offered in the vending machine. Request that your vending machine company stock machines with healthier alternatives (you could also look into switching to a vendor who provides healthier options). If your vending machine will still include unhealthier snacks, help employees identify which items are good for them by marking them with colored stickers or asking the vending machine company to place them on the same shelves. Here are some healthier alternatives to include in your vending machine: - Trans fat-free popcorn - Trans fat-free potato chips - Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or cashews - Pumpkin and sunflower seeds - Dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, and raisins - Fruit leathers - Low-fat crackers - Brown rice crackers - Canned fruit in natural juices - Rice cakes - Whole grain granola and fruit bars - Bottled water - Sugar-free beverages - Sugar-free cookies - Oatmeal Be aware as you make this shift that healthier food options are often more expensive. Consider subsidizing part of this higher cost to remove any cost barrier that employees may perceive when considering the healthier snacks. In addition to the items suggested above, you may want to consider stocking your break room with healthy foods such as fresh fruit, nuts, string cheese, carrots, and celery. Though this may pose an initial expense for the company, helping employees eat healthier at work can help improve overall health, eventually reducing health care costs and increasing productivity.   ###### Topics: [Employee Benefits](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/topic/employee-benefits) ![Nicole Fallowfield](https://via.placeholder.com/100x100.jpg/e0e7ee) #### Written by [Nicole Fallowfield](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/author/nicole-fallowfield) Nicole is a Principal, Director of Administration, and part of the executive leadership team. She is accountable for the entire employee experience, from interactions with human resources and technology to the facilities in which our employees work. Nicole previously served as the Director of Wellbeing and EB Operations at Gibson. She is also a member of Gibson’s Board of Directors Additionally, Nicole is responsible for the health and wellbeing strategic leadership for Gibson’s clients. She is also a member of Gibson’s Board of Directors. 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