Looking for a healthy snack on campus? Many students feel overwhelmed by the number of choices in vending machines, but underwhelmed by the nutritional value.
Vending machines are often laden with products designed to spike your blood sugar level or give you a jolt of caffeine, versus providing you with a nourishing snack or drink.New to campus this semester are FitPick snack and drink options, which meets the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s nutrition standards.
This includes guidelines for calories, fat, sugar and sodium. Nutritional standards for vending machines are nothing new, with strict guidelines in place for grades K-12.
As of January 2014, the University of Idaho’s campus vendor, Ida Vend, has been committed to providing 15-20 percent healthier food and beverage options for in-campus vending machines.
These items are labeled with a FitPick sticker or a green tab, to indicate healthier snacks and drinks. Student interest prompted Ida Vend to provide a healthier segment of snacks and beverages, but we need student support to keep these options on our campus. To promote some of the delicious and nutritious options now available, a Healthy Snacking Booth will be hosted this Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. in the Idaho Commons.
Come enjoy free samples of FitPick snacks and drinks. Some of the snacks that you can try include Kar’s Original Trail Mix, Nature Valley Crunchy Bars, Kashi Hummus Crisps, Special K Pastry Crisps, Chocolate Mini Bites and Pepsi 10 drinks. Next time you are at a vending machine, remember to look for the green tabs and choose a snack that tastes great and is good for your health.
Marissa Rudley, RD, LD can be reached at [email protected]