A full-blown healthy vending initiative may involve –

• “Big-picture” employee communication describing all facets of the healthy vending program.  (Click here for sample text)

• Deep discounts on the healthy items (10-to 25%)

• Significant markups on the unhealthy items (10- to 25%)

• Reworked or eliminated commissions or rebates

• Easy-to-identify labeling of the healthy products in the vending machine (also known as “channel markers," referring to the column/row positions in the vending machine) (For example: red marker for unhealthy, yellow for neutral; green for healthy)

• Other signage at the vending installation that underscores the company’s commitment to better nutrition

• Full nutritional / content information on all products easily available at the vending installation

• Nutritional education (“Lunch and Learn” topics around heart health and nutrition)

• Healthy snacking brochures (as payroll stuffers and on bulletin boards near the vending installation) (Click here for sample text: Snack Smart Brochure)

• Suggestion box for employees located near the vending installation

• Specific commitments from the vending provider to provide a specified percentage of healthy items in the vending machines (For example, granola bars, fat-free puddings, sandwiches on whole wheat bread, turkey wraps, 100% juice beverages)

• The assignment of a key vending person and a backup key vending person who is committed to healthy vending

• Periodic meetings with the vending provider (monthly or quarterly, etc.) to ensure that all program requirements are maintained and to discuss necessary changes

• Support of a wellness committee