Vending machines are usually associated with unhealthy treats, but a new machine in Bismarck is giving people a better snack choice with the push of a button. A new H4U healthy vending machine was recently installed at the City County building in downtown Bismarck, the first of its kind in North Dakota. Acquiring the healthy vending machine was a combined initiative of the Bismarck Employees Active and Thriving (BEAT) and Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH). BEAT’s mission is to provide and promote opportunities and resources in an environment that supports employees and their families in making healthy lifestyle choices.
Instead of chips and candy bars, the H4U vending machine offers dried fruit, yogurt and jerky. Most of the snacks offered will meet Smart Snack guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture. Employees were invited to take part in a taste test of the selection of healthy vending machine snacks and ranked their favorites. Many of these items are included as healthy snack selections. “This machine is great!” said Katie Johnke, Nutrition Services Coordinator with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. “It gives the City of Bismarck employees an option to grab a healthy snack while at work.”
“This reflects the shift towards healthier lifestyles and the choice to eat healthy,” said Johnke. Studies show that convenience is often a prime factor in the food choices we make. “When healthy options are more convenient and available, they may be selected more often,” said Johnke.
The H4U healthy vending machine is located on the 2nd floor of the City/County building at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck. In addition to cash, debit cards can be used for purchases.
For more information contact Katie Johnke at 701-355-1555.