Healthy Vending: A Game-Changer for Athletic Facilities

 Sports and recreational facilities are constantly seeking ways to enhance their services and the experiences of their members, while prioritizing their health and wellness. Over the past few years, a trend that has gained significant traction has been healthy vending machines. By offering a wide range of nutritious snacks and beverages, it provides athletes and parents with better, more beneficial options for snacking.

Below we will highlight a few of the key benefits there are to healthy vending in sports and recreational facilities.

Accessibility

The primary advantage of healthy vending machines is the convenience and accessibility they offer. Finding healthy, nutritious snacks or beverages can be a difficult task, especially if the facility is not in close proximity to a local market or gas station. Therefore, vending machines can be an access point for healthier options for athletes or parents, without having to leave the premises.

Promoting Healthy Decisions

In addition to greater accessibility, healthy vending encourages the proper fueling and recovery which is critical for reaching optimal performance and results for athletes. Stocking machines with products such as protein bars and sports drinks, it shows the athletic facility is dedicated towards supporting its member's fitness goals and well-being.

Supporting Diverse Dietary Needs

One important aspect of healthy vending is the idea of customization. Vendors and the facilities they serve can work together to cater towards any specific dietary preferences or restrictions for its clients and employees. This could range from gluten-free products to vegan options.

Revenue Generation

In addition to the previous benefits mentioned, the last benefit is the potential for creating an additional revenue stream for the athletic facility. Depending on the agreement the location has set up with a vendor, the sales from those machines can contribute to facility's income without having to spend the upfront investment in equipment and labor. Outsourcing through a vendor can be a lucrative financial opportunity!

Conclusion

As the fitness industry evolves, so do the nutritional needs and preferences of athletes. While sometimes an overlooked part of sports and recreational facilities, healthy vending is a viable solution that 1) is extremely accessible, 2) encourages healthy choices, 3) supports diverse dietary needs, and 4) can be a financially lucrative opportunity for facilities. Overall, the most important takeaway is that it shows current and prospective customers that you (the facility) genuinely care about their health and well-being.

If you found this valuable, have any questions, or want to get in contact with us, give us a ring or fill out the contact form!