In October, new vending machines appeared in the main buildings here at Dinuba High School.  The Emperor Grapevine staff debates the pros and cons of their sudden appearance.

PROS By Jennifer Antonio

On the first day the vending machines opened, students immediately began to surround them. Since then, many students line up every day for a yummy snack before class. Before the addition of vending machines around campus, most students got their snacks from fellow students. These students would sell regular snacks like chips and candy, as well as some beverages. Now, with the vending machines, some of these students’ businesses have declined. It has sparked debate over which is better: vending machines or student-sold snacks? To me, the answer is obvious: vending machines have revolutionized students’ relationship with snacks.

The truth of the matter is that it’s safer to support school vending machines, since the snacks are regulated. Unlike student businesses, no one knows what potential tampering might be done to the snacks they sell, especially the homemade sweets. This poses potential health risks for students. Nonetheless, students still purchased from these businesses because hunger spoke louder than safety. For this reason alone, many schools prohibit the act of selling goods on school premises to prevent hazards, including DHS. Of course, this rule being in place does not stop students from selling.

When buying from these student businesses, no one knows where the revenue could potentially go. With school vending machines, we at least see that the money will go towards the school. The more funding from vending, the more doors it opens for our students. For instance, the funding could go toward school programs or extracurricular activities such as sports. Sales from students selling snacks benefit only the students who sell them; vending machine sales benefit everyone.

Before the addition of vending machines, it was a challenge in itself to locate these student vendors, making it difficult to fulfill one’s cravings during school. Now with the vending machines, that’s a problem of the past. The vending machines are located in buildings C and B, which are just a short walk away. This makes it far more convenient than looking around to see if a student is selling. Furthermore, they are accessible all day, unlike student vendors, whose “shop hours” and supplies are unpredictable.

Our vending machines don’t just offer simple things like chips or candy. They have a wide variety of options, all priced from $1.00 to $3.00. This doesn’t just include snacks; it also includes beverages. Some of the things you can get from these vending machines include oatmeal, Poptarts, cookies, various chips, water, Gatorade, etc. In addition to the regular vending machines, there is one that offers full meals. This vending machine allows students to use their ID and verification of their birthdate without making a purchase. Moreover, the options are designed to be healthy for students, unlike the snacks sold by student vendors.

To say the least,  if one had to choose between vending machines or student vendors, the overall best option would be the vending machines.  This doesn’t mean to downplay the businesses these students have created; rather, it’s impressive how some of these students have gained real-world skills. Nonetheless, vending machines benefit students and the school. As it is far safer to consume more supplements, there is a variety available, making it more convenient for everyone.

CONS By Jax Lopez

Everyone knows that the school recently installed vending machines in the B and C buildings. These machines are filled with snacks such as chips, drinks, candy, and even salads. Students often stop by them during the passing period or before lunch to get a quick snack. Many people say that they were added so students could get a small pick-me-up throughout the day. The old high school site had vending machines; however, they did not work. Though I believe there might be a different reason for these vending machines.

Some students around campus are known as “Snack Dealers.”  These students sell snacks to others for low prices. They sell drinks, chips, and even baked goods. This is how some students make their money. However, the school doesn’t approve of this. From the administration’s point of view, they are worried about what can be put into the food. However, a lot of these students are just trying to earn money. These students do not try to add anything or do anything to the food and snacks they sell. All they care about is earning money.

Money is something that all students want. That is why some students resort to selling snacks. Sometimes, students just really need money due to some personal financial issues. Whatever the reason, some students get a taste for entrepreneurship. Allowing students to sell their snacks and make their own money gives them a sense of independence. But how is that supposed to happen if students can no longer sell their items? The vending machines present competition. Students, instead of buying their items from other students they go to the vending machines. When students buy from fellow students, they know that their money is going to something good and that they’re helping another student out.

We obviously know that the money from the vending machines is going to the school. Nevertheless, we don’t know where exactly it is going. Is it going to the sports? Or is it going to the school funds? Where exactly is the money going? When we buy from other students, we at least know where the money is going. Of course, we don’t know what they are going to do with the money, but that is the same thing with the money that the school is getting from the vending machines. While the vending machines are convenient, just remember that when you buy from a student, you’re supporting your local small mini business.