Levittown Schools Approve Healthier Vending Machines

The Levittown school board awarded a bid for the district's vending machines to food company My Healthy Thing at a special board meeting Wednesday.

The resolution cites My Healthy Thing's "wide range of healthy snacks and beverages" and equimpent that is "computerized, energy efficient and 'green-friendly'" as reasons for the bid's approval. 

The vending machines will include an array of healthy beverages, protein and snack bars, string cheese, fresh fruit, vegetables, smoothies, yogurt and hummus, according to Division Avenue High School PTA Co-President Lisa Curran, who is also the PTA's food services liaison.

Curran said that four high school students tested snacks from several vendors and found My Healthy Thing's selection to be best.

"They were absolutely floored," she said. "They didn't think healthy food would taste this good."

One of their favorites, according to Curran, were the Late July brand Dude Ranch Multi-Grain snack chips.  "The students said it tasted better than the chips currently available in the machines," she said.

Resident Tom Kohlman, who is a board member on the Levittown Community Council, said that the healthier snacks will also benefit student-athletes. "This allows them to come in and grab healthier options," he said.

Curran said that prices will range from $1 to $2. Those prices, she said, are comparable to the prices of snacks in current vending machines.

Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Mark Flower said that proceeds from snacks sold will go towards extracurricular student groups.

Employees and residents at the meeting applauded when the district passed the resolution. Several of them worked to get healthier snacks in the district, and were pleased that the board agreed to do so.

"We're ecstatic," said Linda Haas. "It's been an ongoing effort for many years. It's finally come to fruition."