In 2022, Montrose’s vending machines died. For years, the machines served as our life support, giving students food when we needed it most. No matter how bad our day was, the vending machines were always there to make us smile with a delicious snack. Its death, however, rippled throughout the community; many had to suffer through hunger during the school day, succumbing to sadness. But now, the moment we have all been waited for has arrived! Should Montrose bring back the once beloved vending machines? Montrose students do love food!
I sent out a form and, over the course of a couple of days, a total of 93 individuals responded. Here is a pie chart to display whether or not students think Montrose vending machines should make a comeback!
As you can see, the chart has a whopping 97.8% of students voting ‘yes’ on the matter. However 2 students replied with ‘no’. Both sides of the argument are valid; here are some quotes from the anonymous form that want the vending machines to make a comeback:
– The ‘Yes’ argument! –
- “Yes, because it gives students easy access to food throughout the day. Also, when students forget to pack a snack, it is an easy way to get food. Montrose also makes a lot of money off the vending machines so they would be a good investment.”
- “Sometimes students forget to bring a snack/lunch, and, if parents are unable to drop it off, the students are left with limited options.”
- “Some people, especially after school (like waiting for the bus), [get] hungry and [don’t] have any food, so it would be convenient to have them so we don’t have to walk to North Street or Brothers”
- “After school, before school, before sports, after sports, or if you forget a lunch, vending machines would be amazing instead of going around begging other people for food.”
- “People forget their lunch a lot, vending machines would make it so they don’t have to starve…”
- “You don’t have to walk all the way to Dunkin, Starbucks, North Street, or Brothers.”
- “I think yes because after school many people get hungry and don’t have any snacks. And they might not have $5 to get a snack from North Street Market but they can get a bag of chips for $2.”
- “Absolutely! I forget my lunch so often and don’t have anything to eat. Having a vending machine would help students’ hunger in school and after school and would make everyone happier. I’ve heard so many great things from students in the past who got to experience the vending machines, and I want that experience too.”
- “Because they provide an easy way to get a snack during the day. Since we can’t go out during studies to buy food, the vending machines make it very easy to grab a snack. I know a lot of people either forget to bring a lunch or snack to school and are hungry during lunch. The front desk sometimes have snacks, but I know that a lot of the time those snacks are peanut butter crackers, and there are people with allergies who wouldn’t be able to eat those. The vending machines gave a wide variety of snacks to choose from, and most of them were healthy. Also Montrose would be making a bit of money from them, so I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t bring them back.”
- “We need to have food that will keep us going and staying energized.”
Through these quotes the main trend seems to be that if Montrose invested in vending machines the students would have an easier option to grab a snack before, during or after school to prevent hunger throughout the day. Additionally with so many students buying snacks on the regular Montrose could make some money! A win win for everyone!
Now let’s look at the other side. Once again these are quotes taken from the anonymous school-wide form I sent out:
– The ‘No’ argument! –
- “Maybe. Depending on what type”
- “Because they would probably have bad snacks.”
- “Sometimes we are still hungry and need food. However, options could be healthier.”
Based on these quotes (which are in the minority) bringing back the vending machines might not be the best option. Some believe that the snacks from vending machines might not have the healthiest or appetizing options, which could derail some people from buying. These are valid arguments as you want the snacks to be good otherwise you won’t buy the food.
From this data, I can conclude that the majority of people want a revival of the vending machines, which could add to one’s happiness and flourishing when given a snack to re-energize the student body.
By Sorina Yeghian ‘26, Food and Wellness Editor
