Campus-based snack food vending consumption

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the purchases of university vending machine clientele and to understand what consumers purchase, purchase motivations, and purchase frequency after implementation of a vending policy designed to promote access to healthier snack options.

Methods: Cross-sectional data collection from consumers at 8 campus vending machines purposefully selected from a list of highest-grossing machines. Vending machines were stocked with 28.5% green (choose most often), 43% yellow (occasionally), and 28.5% red (least often) food items.

Results: Consumers were predominately students (86%) and persons aged 18-24 years (71%). Red vending choices were overwhelmingly selected over healthier vending options (59%). Vended snack food selections were most influenced by hunger (42%) and convenience (41%). Most consumers (51%) frequented vending machines at least 1 time per week.

Conclusions and implications: Despite decreased access to less healthful red snack food choices, consumers chose these snacks more frequently than healthier options in campus vending machines.

Keywords: food choices; food policy; nutrition; snacking; vending machines.