Vending Machines: To Provide, Not Ban

Recently Councilman Mitchell Englander of Los Angeles has proposed a banning of sodas from drink vending machines in libraries and parks

. However, this wouldn't be the first ban on the sugary drink. Back in 2002 Los Angeles city schools banned sodas from school cafeterias. Just recently New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing a ban on the sale of drinks that are more than 16 ounces and have more than 25 calories per 8 fluid ounces. That means goodbye extra large Cokes. That begs the question, "When does this go too far? When does it become the government's right to intervene versus Big Brother?"

Are there serious health issues in this country? Absolutely! The rise of obesity and diabetes is staggering to say the least. But while it's important for the government to be concerned and do something about this epidemic, they cannot force people to choose a healthy lifestyle. Instead, they should be providing both information and choices rather than a ban that forces us to do something. People do not want to be forced to do anything, even if they know it is for their own good. There should be choice in vending machines.

It starts with education. There needs to be better education on healthy living, and it starts at school. Even if kids are learning that healthy food is best, the actions need to be implemented at home. Parents, too, need to be informed of the dangers of unhealthy eating habits and it is their responsibility to provide better food for their kids. It's a situation where everyone needs to be involved and pulling their weight, no pun intended.

Instead of the ban of soda in drink vending machines, Los Angeles should consider providing healthy drinks as well. The same goes for snack vending machines, and of course not just in L.A. Across the country people need to be given options. If people want to choose the unhealthy snack, that is not our business, it is not the government's business either. The reason being that if we ban one food, what is to stop us from banning every single unhealthy food? Sometimes we need those "splurges." Not to mention it would be millions more out of work and you might have a sugar deprived nation on your hands.

There are healthy vending machines for sale. With an increase in better options, people might be more willing to make the smart choice, the healthy choice.

by: Mark Etinger

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