General Prevalence

	98% of all U.S. high schools (CDC estimate)
	75% of middle/junior high schools (CDC estimate)
	25% of elementary schools
	40%+ of elementary schools let students buy food/beverages from vending machines, school stores and snack bars, even though “young children may lack the maturity to make healthy and safe food choices.”

(Source: School Health Policies and Programs Study, 2000)

A Fall 2000 study on vending machines commissioned by Senator Christopher Dodd (Connecticut) and Representative George Miller (California) found wide variance in the regulation of machines from school to school.

States' Status

	Kentucky study of 343 schools found 88% had vending machines and 24% violated state regulations not to sell such foods until 30 minutes after the last lunch period.
	Also in Kentucky: Vending machines are in 44% of elementary schools, 88% of middle schools and 97% of high schools.
	Minnesota study of 610 secondary schools found 98% have soft drink machines.

	Looking at the profits from vending commissions is short-sighted. Ultimately, we’re going to be the ones paying for the medical costs of obesity.   John Crowley, San Marcos (TX) ISD Director of Nutrition

Variables affecting vending machine sales:

	Where machines are placed
	Hours of operation (restricted versus not)
	How machines are stocked (healthy versus unhealthy)
	How items are priced
	How items are displayed (eye-level versus high or low)
	Vending machine exterior graphics
	Package sizes (up to 2.5 servings versus single)