New Vending Machine Offers Healthy Options

New Vending Machine Offers Healthy Options
Submitted by Jamie Wollberg on Sun, 03/20/2011 - 5:16pm


Vending machines at SUNY Purchase College have had problems, but the Purchase College Association is offering a healthy solution. Hidden in the far left corner of the library is a bright machine that features vegan and health conscious snacks.

“2bU” is a vending machine installed at the end of December by Canteen Vending, according to Bill Guerrero, president of the PCA. Not only does the machine cater to lazy college students with a quick and easy touch screen, but to those looking for gluten-free, vegan, organic, local, or kosher snacks.

Guerrero said the machine has made approximately $300 in profit from January to Feb. 15th.

“That’s not tremendous, but it’s awareness,” he said. He said the school will consider installing more of the machines if the current one brings in enough money.

Products can range from $1.50 for chips to $2.75 for a Coba Sparkling Hibiscus drink.

“2bU” is a departure from the 64 other junky and repetitive vending machines on campus usually filled with snack food stapes like "Doritoes" or

For Junior Printmaking major Lizz de Simone, there is comfort in a routine purchase, “I haven’t been hungry in the library yet, but also I don’t recognize any of the things inside,” she said. She said she usually buys $1 snacks at other vending machines.

Problems like getting money taken, or getting billed for a vandalized machine still apply. Senior Arts Management major Camille Wallace already thinks the “2bU”’s products are overpriced, especially after she couldn’t get change back. “I pretty much lost money in the machine,” she said. “I was a little angry.”

But her passion for vegan food will make her a returning customer. “They have all these great vegan snacks and other health food stuff that I have seen before and I like,” said Wallace. “I won’t let that one time shape my opinion because I like the stuff that’s in there.”

The “2bU” isn’t the only vending machine causing frustration among students. Junior classical composition major, William Pearson, says he gets snacks from the machines regularly and doesn’t always have the best luck. “There’s one in the music building that occasionally doesn’t work,” said Pearson. “It just sort of grabs your drink and hangs out in the middle.”

Guerrero said the PCA gives refunds to students who report issues with faulty machines. Their goal is for all of the machines to be credit card accessible to help eliminate money errors.