CHANGE OF VENDING MACHINES IN THE CAFETERIA’S, AND ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF G TOWER IN SMITHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL WEST

            This year there has been a dramatic change in the drink vending machines of the F and E tower cafeteria’s, and on the first floor of G tower. The old, and unhealthy, Snapple and Gatorade vending machines of last year have been replaced with healthier water and fruit juices (Dasani and Aquafina products and machines).

Although there are healthy options at that location, unhealthy beverages such as Arizona products and Gatorade drinks can still be purchased out of the vending machines located in commons. These drinks aren’t as easily accessible for students who eat their lunch in the cafeterias found on the first floor.

            Different students have different views/opinions about this change in available drinks. This adjustment doesn’t affect most students who don’t eat their lunch in a cafeteria; however, some students believe that this is a positive change while others long for the old beverages that had been easily accessible to them last year.

Melissa DiGiovanna, a tenth grader here at Smithtown High School West who eats her lunch in the F tower cafeteria states, “I like the new vending machine because it gives me and my classmates healthy choices.” She is a student who enjoys the change in vending machines, and appreciates the new options. William Berntson (10^th grader) states that “I think that healthier drinks in vending machines is a good thing. It helps promote a more natural and healthier environment for children and adults.” While some students agree with Melissa’s and William’s positive approach, other students have a different outlook on this matter.

“In my personal objective opinion, these new vending machines limit the publics personal drink preference,” says Brianne Towey (a 10^th grader here at Smithtown High School West). Nicole LaMonica (10^th grader) agrees with Brianne’s negative outlook on this matter. She states “I think that the new vending machine choices do not appeal to the kids of Smithtown West as much as the old choices.” Both students believe that the old machines were what the public desires, and they wish for the old drinks that used to be in the vending machines around our school.

            Although students have different opinions about whether or not they appreciate the new, and healthy, vending machines, they are here to stay. The transformation of these machines affects what the students put into their bodies, and the new beverages are healthier than the old ones, so maybe kids will adjust and accept this change.