Catering to Public Demand
It always struck me as ironic. People walk out of the gym and load money into a vending machine to buy mars bars or powerade drinks. Children beg money from parents to purchase sweets and pop after swimming or trampoline.
A whole wall in my local leisure centre is dedicated to colourful machines selling a multitude of sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks. The only alternative to these snacks is a meagre bowl of sorry looking apples. Yes, there are healthy meals, but nothing by way of snacks.
It's a different story at my local private gym; just one machine sells water and high energy drinks.
Why is there such a difference between council owned and private facilities?
The only conclusion I can draw is that the leisure centre has a near constant turn over of something that other gyms do not.
Children.
And before anyone tells me that all the machines are aimed at adults - what about the waist height, American style gumball machines, loaded with sweets and toys?
It is deeply concerning to have our young people used as a source of revenue.
I understand the argument that there needs to be access to refreshment at all times (such as for tournaments of shows) but do these machines have to pedal such unhealthy products?
Yes, it's okay to have these things once in a while, and I know that the machines are only supplying the demand. What I'm concerned about is the message that we send our kids by sticking these machines in a place that's all about physical activity.
In a place dedicated to leading a healthier, more active life style, why has no one questioned the fact that it is selling such confectionaries? Does this contribute to making our kids some of the most obese in Europe?
I think it's more madness than irony, but I'd love to hear your opinion on it. What do you think?
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Emma Deadman - is a first-time mum-to-be. She gives her take on life... from bump to beyond.
Hello Laura,
Welcome to the world of blogging. And great to see you making such an excellent start too...
Thanks for dropping by my page, although we will probably never agree on PCD!
Byt, yeah. I've always thought it was weird to see vending machines selling confectionary and fizzy soft drinks in gyms. What next? Hamburgers? Hot Dogs?? Kebabs???
It's like seeing a doctor smoking - it just doesn't look right. Although, I'm a fine one to talk. After footy, a few of the lads always go to the pub for a pint after the game!
Hi Laura,
I love your passion on this healthy vending issue! I have that same passion, which is why I co-founded a healthy vending machine company that's main mission is to place 100% healthy snack vending machines across the globe.
We're helping the fight against childhood obesity because we're giving away 10% of our proceeds to charities that fight obesity.
Anyway, I was happy to see your post and thanks for giving your thoughts on the issue.
Cheers,
Andy Mackensen
h.u.m.a.n.
helping unite man and nutrition
www.healthyvending.com
Hi there Andy - had a quick look at the website - and although I'm sure some of the products sold may have more sugar hidden away in them than it first appears (I'd have to see the ingredient list) I think it's a great idea.
Why don't leisure centres, especially those that cater for kids, have machines like this as opposed to ones that pump out sugar, caffeine, fat and additives.
I actually spoke to the catering manager of my local leisure centre about this. I was told they have no option. Customers demand vending machines. I will definitely go and talk to her again and mention this alternative.
It would be interesting to know the prices of some of the products, to see if it is a realistic choice for families price-wise.
Thanks for the comment - I'll let you know how I get on after talking again to the leisure centre.