Sighs of disappointment echo through the hallways as yet another vending machine at Etowah reads “out of order” or stopped working. While it can be satisfying to fuel sugar cravings, many students are fed up with the machines’ inability to function, the snacks’ high costs, and the lack of nutritious options. 

“The vending machine does not even work half of the time. I did get a cookie once though, and it tasted horrible. The candies are not that bad, but I would not recommend going there,” Anya Mehta, freshman, said.  

Many believe that the snacks in the school vending machines are overpriced, with costs ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 for a small bag of chips or a bottle of water, yet these same items are merely a dollar at most gas stations or dollar stores. Though vending machines are supposed to be fast and efficient, even the smallest items are pricey, defeating the machine’s purpose of offering a quick, inexpensive bite to eat.  

“Vending machine prices are too high for items we can get for the same price in higher quantities. If the price was reduced for the snacks to $0.75, it would make much more since than $1.50,” Jonathan Madonia, senior, said. 

While it is nice to have a variety of treats to choose from, it would be a bonus if the vending machines offered healthier options as well. Although many students enjoy the snacks that are already stocked in the machines, adding healthy items to power the brain on the way to class would be a beneficial addition. 

“I believe that Etowah should have healthy options for students who prefer them,” Kate Conner, junior, said.  

Many feel refreshed to know that they can buy a snack or drink when their lunch does not fully satisfy their palate. However, the empty vendors and “out of order” signs bring about an air of dissatisfaction. It only makes matters worse when the machines steal a student’s money, a common occurrence in Etowah’s senior lounge.  

“[Vending machines] need to have quicker refills. Usually I get stuff from them because I’m hungry, but not hungry enough to eat something I don’t want. As a result, when there aren’t the snacks I want in the vending machine, I get annoyed,” Amy Dominguez, senior said.  

The vending machine is already common stop for students between classes, but it could easily become more of a hotspot if even a few of these suggestions were taken into account.