Horizon vending machines set to track students' snack habits

We've already seen a couple of systems that let parents pay for their kids' school lunches in advance and track exactly what they're eating, but it looks like they could soon be getting an even deeper glimpse into their kids' daily consumption, with the same technology now set to find its way into vending machines. Coming courtesy of Horizon Software, the snoopy new vending machines are based on the MealpayPlus system (which Horizon is also responsible for) and employ either a card or PIN code to dole out the snacks, eliminating the need for students to carry cash around. While the vending machines are apparently ready to go, it's not clear how many schools, if any, have signed up to put 'em into service.

[tekdroid @ May 9th 2007 4:25PM]

I'll be bringing my lunchbox with real food inside it, thanks...

[Zod-like @ May 9th 2007 4:35PM]

Soda, Chips, Chocolate. There I saved them a billion dollars.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ May 9th 2007 4:41PM]

I wonder why nobody wants to make a healthy food vending machine...

[Ryce @ May 9th 2007 4:53PM]

They Do.

Healthy Vending and FitFuel
http://www.healthyvending.com/

[Andir3.0 @ May 9th 2007 4:50PM]

Most "healthy food" doesn't last in a non-refrigerated environment for very long.

[Grizz @ May 9th 2007 4:52PM]

They sell what people buy. If more people bought oatmeal bars, then there would be a better selection of them.
Untill then youhave a great selection of chocolate loaded with sugar/oil/wax's

[Patrick Kane @ May 9th 2007 4:55PM]

We already have that in our school in Belfast- parents get sent a printout of all purchases and details of purchases every term.

[Andir3.0 @ May 9th 2007 4:57PM]

See, that's where it's screwed up. I don't mind someone watching my habits in case they are needed. (Black out in class, EMT asks for printout of what I ate that day) but to send it to your parents as a kind of "Look what your kid is doing" is wrong.

[Chris @ May 9th 2007 5:28PM]

It's all about getting them hooked (addicted) early. Everyone wants our young people's minds, souls, bodies, wallets, etc.

Chris
preacherman88.blogspot.com

[Chuckles McGee @ May 9th 2007 5:35PM]

"I'm sorry little Davie, I'm afraid I'm not allowed to vend you that."

[mike @ May 9th 2007 5:47PM]

's all about getting them hooked (addicted) early. Everyone wants our young people's minds, souls, bodies, wallets, etc.

Chris
preacherman88.blogspot.com
---

Wow, you got a great outlook on life. Exactly the kind of person I wanna take advice from... And you have a blog too!

[Whynot @ May 9th 2007 6:27PM]

1997: "give me your lunch money or I punch you in the face"
2007: "give me your lunch PIN or I punch you in the face"

And then, not only will poor little Bobby be very hungry and have broken teeth, but he will also be punished by mommy and daddy for buying so much chocolate bars in one day. Truly a bad day for little Bobby

[Anonymous @ May 9th 2007 11:14PM]

When I was in highschool 2 years ago, people got nothing but junk food from the vending machines. There were granola bars and shit in them, but noone bought them so they were eventually phased out.

My schools idea of making kids eat healthy was turning off the Soda machines until lunch time, and putting a water bottle (Dasani) vending machine across from the boys PE gym. It was like selling liquor to the homeless; everyone found money to buy a bottle of water. Genius

[Drew @ May 10th 2007 12:31AM]

Boy, if only they had that when I was in grade school, Back when I could remember things that I saw just one time... Just wait until someone types in their code, watch the numbers, then use it when they walk away.

[Rick Lyon @ May 10th 2007 12:40PM]

Let's see, which ever items need to be replaced most often is the most popular? We need a computer for that?

[silent tone @ May 11th 2007 9:23AM]

"...requires a card or PIN code"

That will take about 2 seconds before kids start camping out the vending machines to peep PINs.

OMG! Free candy!

[TrackZero @ May 11th 2007 5:16PM]

my HS didn't have vending machines...worked out great for me, tho...I'd stop at the local convenience store in the morning, sell my purchases at a 50% markup....even filed taxes on the income.

Good 'ol capitalism.