TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 18, 2010 — With the beginning of a new school year at hand, some Florida schools are feeling the pressure of the pending "Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act," while others are breathing a sigh of relief. Among those who aren't as worried about the strict regulations coming under the new law are four Tallahassee schools who recently tossed out their old "junk food" vending machines in favor of Fresh Healthy Vending machines provided by local businessman Brandon Stallings. The new machines are part of a nationwide effort to combat childhood obesity spearheaded by First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign.
In a recent push towards healthier schools, 42 states have passed regulations forbidding the high-calorie and high-sodium items that were marketed in traditional machines. Fresh Healthy Vending machines carry natural, organic, and healthy foods; a stark contrast to the chips, candy bars and sodas they will be replacing. Fresh Healthy Vending stocks the machines using product menus that are individually crafted to meet the state nutritional requirements where they are placed, according to Jolly Backer, CEO of Fresh Healthy Vending. The healthy fare that the machines stock will act as a preemptive move by the schools to comply with the new regulations under the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which forbids junk food. Many schools are very happy to see the healthier options become available.
"You've got everything from yogurt to 100% fruit juices … everything short of a four-course meal. It's astounding because I didn't realize that there was this much available when it comes to healthy snacks in vending machines. The variety provided by Fresh Healthy Vending is amazing," said Darren Wallace, Assistant Principal at Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee.
Businessman Brandon Stallings is the franchise owner placing the machines and he is anxious to make a positive contribution to student health when Tallahassee schools begin their fall session August 23.
"I was looking for a socially responsible business that would have a positive impact on my community. Fresh Healthy Vending was able to secure contracts placing all my machines in local middle and high schools since I purchased the franchise 4 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to providing an amazing service to the schools and plan on growing quickly to place as many machines as possible in the area. The Fresh Healthy Vending business model is absolutely turn-key, from the state of the art, high-tech vending machines to securing the best possible locations in my area and supplying over 500 natural and organic healthy snacks and drinks. All of these factors combined made the decision to become a Fresh Healthy Vending Franchisee as simple as possible," Stallings said.
The machines will be located in Griffin Middle School, Fairview Middle School, Swift Creek Middle School, and The Performing Arts Center of Tallahassee; all located within the Leon County school system. Other Schools and organizations in the area that are interested in healthy vending machines are encouraged to contact Fresh Healthy Vending's corporate office.
Source: Fresh Healthy Vending
