The Pasco County (FL) School District plans to install vending machines dispensing reimbursable breakfast and lunch meals as well as healthful snacks by the end of January

FM Staff

The Pasco County (FL) School District plans to install vending machines dispensing reimbursable breakfast and lunch meals as well as healthful snacks by the end of January, reports the Tampa Tribune. The program, initiated in conjunction with the Dairy Council of Florida, will allow students—even those in the free/reduced meal program—to pay for meals through the entry of a personal identification number (PIN) that accesses their meal accounts. They can also pay cash. The meals are restricted to cold selections, with hot meals available in the traditional cafeterias. Breakfast selections are expected to include cereals, yogurt, whole-wheat muffins, milk and juice while lunch items would include sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, vegetables, cheese and various milk products. Students will be able to choose multiple items to create their meals but only combinations encompassing the required components will qualify for free/reduced reimbursement. The two machines cost about $9,000 each, with half paid by a grant from the Daily Council and half by the county food & nutrition services department. Another grant will pay half the $9,200 total cost of two other machines dispensing milk, dairy products and healthful snacks the district plans to install in a high school and a middle school. The long-term goal is to have machines in all county high and middle schools, FSD Rick Kurtz told the Tribune.