Change looms for vending machines at public schools

Hernando County schools stand to lose roughly $54,000 or more in if the Florida Agriculture Commissioner moves forward with eliminating school vending machines statewide.

The result would be fewer dollars available for athletic uniforms, academic achievement awards and teacher supplies.

In light of the Legislature approving a bill for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to take over oversight of food and nutrition in public schools, Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam recently announced his interest in limiting or eliminating school vending machines from public schools.

Sterling Ivey, an agency spokesman, said the effort would be part of an overall movement to introduce more healthy choices in public schools while eliminating unhealthy competition — a move that mirrors what government organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been advocating for years.

"If the governor approves this bill by the Legislature, we're not going to come out of the gate and start eliminating vending machines right away," Ivey said. "But we do want to begin having those conversations with school districts as to what kinds of beverages they're offering to children.

"After those conversations with schools, we may move forward with eliminating them," he added, "but for right now we plan to be more focused on getting healthier options in the schools first."

So far Hernando County has garnered $54,001 in revenue this school year from drink machines — $47,069 from elementary through high schools and the remainder, $6,932, from other department buildings.

Desiree Henegar, school district chief financial officer, said soda machines are only available to teachers in the elementary schools while students have more access in middle and high schools.

In comparison, high schools use the machines the most — bringing in between roughly $6,200 and $8,200 — while elementary schools bring in a few hundred dollars annually.

How the money is used is determined by each school principal and in the past has gone toward athletics, awards, receptions and other student achievement items.

At elementary schools, where teachers and other staff only use the vending machines, the money is used for supplies or toward purchasing gifts for those getting married, flowers for funerals or supplies.

Superintendent Bryan Blavatt said he isn't worried about potentially losing almost $55,000 in vending machine revenue — particularly in light of the district facing a more than $13 million budget shortfall.

If Gov. Rick Scott approves for Putnam to take over school lunches, he said it will be just another ironic regulation from the Republican.

"It's just another one of those ironies that I don't get and someone might be able to explain to me," Blavatt said. "The governor was elected on a platform of less regulation and fewer restraints, but this year we've had greater restraints than before he took office. Now drink machines will just be another one."

He added that middle and high school students already have limited access to drink machines and that they include water, juice and other healthy alternatives.

Meanwhile, a bill to allow the agriculture commissioner to oversee school food programs has yet to go before Gov. Scott following its approval by the Legislature.

Once it reaches the governor's desk, Ivey said Scott will have 15 days to sign it to become law.