New Vending Machines Help Users Make Healthier Choices

Imagine a vending machine that helps you make healthier choices when snack time rolls around.

That’s exactly what local entrepreneurs Michael and Bing Schwaller have set out to achieve through their partnership with HUMAN Healthy Vending.

The company has reportedly developed a new type of vending machine that educates users how to make healthy food choices. The new machines — which are already installed and in use at , , , , and — include video/audio systems that are used to deliver health and nutrition information to users, including detailed information about the products purchased through the machines.

According to a press release the Schwallers have recently secured agreements to install the machines in public  schools, gyms and community centers throughout lower Fairfield County.

“Unlike antiquated vending machines that have long been complicit in encouraging unhealthful eating habits, HUMAN’s vending machines are the first full-service vending solution offering healthful snacks, drinks and entire meals along with health education streamed digitally via HD LCD screens attached to the machines,” states a press release. “The LCD screens can educate consumers on the products in the machine as well as give general nutrition advice, such as how to read a nutrition label.”

“HUMAN Healthy Vending takes the unique approach of trying to educate the consumer while selling healthier snacks and beverages,” Bing said in the release. “After years of repetitive branding, many people find themselves gravitating toward products based on the advertising and packaging instead of carefully checking what they’re actually consuming. The added educational component of HUMAN’s machines really provides value to the consumer by starting a dialogue on what it means to eat nutritious foods.”