AHS to get New Vending Machines

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It’s passing period and you’re going to your next class. You want a snack; the problem is, the vending machines are too far away. Fear not, the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) has a solution for you. AHS will soon have brand new vending machines.

Tri-Star Vending and Coca-Cola operate AHS’ current machines, which are at least ten years old. Other schools in the district use different dispensing companies. Instead of many businesses working and competing throughout the city, AUSD would like one vending company to operate..

“The vending machines are not AHS’ property. We sign a contract with a company and they bring their vending machines on campus,” said Infranca.

Vending companies rent their machines to AHS and the profits are split between the school and the company.

“Several [vending] companies are going to make offers [to be our new vendors]. We’re hoping for an increased variety of drinks and food,” said Infranca.

AUSD officials will decide which vending company to choose; the new company will put their new machines on campus, while the old vending machines will be returned to Tri-Star and Coca-Cola. AHS will get about fifteen new vending machines to replace the old machines.

“[We’re choosing] based on which [company] can give the most [money] back to the schools,” said Infranca.

Because of construction on the new science building, the new vending machine locations have not yet been decided.

“I hope we do get new vending machines. I think it will make a lot of money, because a lot of students buy snacks,” said sophomore Brendan Lee.

Not to be confused with the new company’s vending machines, Foodservice has given AHS three vending machines. The profits from these three will go directly to the school, instead of splitting the profits with a vending company.

“ASB is taking over [three] vending machines so we get 100 percent of the profits,” said Sophomore Council member Amy He.

One of the vending machines owned by the school will be in the gym foyer and two will go to the faculty eating areas.

“They’re not working yet because we have to be trained on how to use them. We also have to order products for them [and] we have to wait for the protective cages to arrive,” said Infranca. “We are hoping the vending machines will be operational before the end of the [2010 school] year.”