Vending machines have long since been a common sight in schools, offering students quick and convenient access to snacks and drinks. However, a recent announcement taped to the vending machines shows this convenience is not long for the hallways, “Dear Students and Staff, after 40 years serving the DOE schools, we have been advised by the Office of School Food and Nutrition that there will be no vending machines for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year.” This will mark a notable shift in the school’s amenities, leaving many wondering about the reasons behind this decision. Among those expressing concern is Feliza Cheung, a freshman at Curtis High School. She argues that, “Removing the vending machines is a horrible decision for students who want a snack in-between periods. Removing the vending machines will influence students to go to the SO store which requires a free period or lunch period. Kids that have no lunch or free period, have no snacks to buy, keeping them hungry.”
The announcement from the Office of School Food and Nutrition revealed that, following the expiration of vending contracts in August, NYC public schools will be devoid of vending machines for the remainder of the school year. This decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at exploring “healthier and culturally appropriate” snack options for students. However, it could potentially leave those without a free lunch period without easy access to snacks, a concern previously voiced by a student in our interview. Moreover, a concern raised by Dwayne Archbold, Assistant Principal of Student Life, is that the removal of vending machines has resulted in the elimination of a significant source of funding for the school, impacting the ability to fund student-oriented activities.
Despite the sentimental farewell to our familiar vending machines, the Curtis community is encouraged to “ – hit up the SO store!”, with it now being the only in-school venue for snacks, as revealed on the school’s official Facebook page. Located in the cafeteria, the SO store offers products similar to those found in the now-vacant vending machines. Also unveiled on the Facebook account is the initiative that spurred the change: “The DOE is actively exploring healthier and culturally appropriate snack options.” As to what this means, available information is notably limited. Our Assistant Principal of Student Life, has also gone on to say that no additional details have been disclosed, maintaining a level of ambiguity surrounding the matter.
In the midst of this transitional phase, the school considers the options available to students to voice their opinion. According to Mr. Archbold, students, despite limited influence, have the option to campaign in support of the vending machines if they so choose. However, the fate of the situation lies beyond the schools’ control and rests in the hands of the DOE.
Overall, the sudden absence of vending machines in our school, announced by the Office of School Food and Nutrition for the 2023-2024 school year, has sparked concerns and reflections among the Curtis community. Uncertainties surrounding the initiative’s details and its potential impacts on student access to snacks and school funding for student-oriented activities remain.
