Junk Food Nixed in St. Pete Vending Machines

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — People who put their spare change into vending machines on property owned by the City of St. Petersburg may soon notice changes in the available options. The city has adopted a new policy approved by Mayor Rick Kriseman that requires healthier choices in vending machines by the end of 2017.

The new policy is meant to encourage healthier eating habits and will only apply to vending machines on city-owned property, according to a media release from the American Heart Association.

“This stance on better vending selections is unprecedented in the state of Florida, and the announcement positions the city as a national leader in promoting healthy choices, joining only 10 other cities to have an active healthy vending policy that meets the American Heart Association’s policy guidance,” the release said.

The new policy is part of the city’s Healthy St. Pete initiative. That push is meant to help improve overall health outcomes in the city. Pinellas County presently ranks above the national average and state average in the number of adults who suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases.

"We are working hard to build and promote a culture of health in our city," said City of St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin. "The social, economic and equity implications for our community and the people who call it home are invaluable. Every day we are working to inspire and make a difference. This policy change is one way we're doing that."

So, what kinds of changes can hungry or thirsty residents and city employees expect to see?

Some of the items that might be removed from vending machines include diet or regular sodas, fruit punches, candy bars, honey buns and regular potato chips, Lily Conrad, spokeswoman for the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay, said. New items might include 100 percent fruit juices, nuts and seeds, baked chips, fruit snacks and whole grain bars, among others.

"We applaud the City of St. Petersburg for making a culture of health within the city a top priority," said Kate Sawa, executive director of the American Heart Association Tampa Bay. "It is our hope that this progressive move encourages other communities throughout Tampa Bay and across the state to take similar action by adopting policies to improve health."

It is unclear just how soon some of the changes will be made.

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