Vending Machine Ban Helps Third World and Fairtrade
An unforeseen outcome from the government's ban
on unhealthy vending machines in schools could be a windfall for
third world producers, according to a vending machine specialist.
Many schools depend on the income generated by the sale of crisps
and chocolates from the machines that will be banned following Ruth
Kelly's announcement today.
Since healthy option machines rarely generate the same income, schools
are looking at other options, such as hot drinks to make up the
shortfall. Appropriately for 2005, many of those machines are now
stocking products that are endorsed by the Fairtrade Foundation.
Mike Steel, from Fairtrade Vending in Kent, said that recent weeks
have seen an appreciable rise in the number of schools asking about
the Fairtrade option.
"Vending machines that stock only Fairtrade products are very
attractive to young people, particularly since the publicity over
Live8 and the G8 summit. Drinks can also replace chocolate and crisps
in terms of income generation."
His local education area of Medway has already asked him to put
together a presentation for 20 of their senior schools.
"The government ban on unhealthy vending machines in schools
could result in thousands of poundsworth of additional sales for
third world producers," Mr Steel said. "It's good to think
that children in some of the most poverty stricken areas of the
world will benefit from something that also encourages better health
amongst our own youngsters".
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