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S C H O O L V E N D IN G machines are fi lled with a la carte items, fetching additional sales. Dunham particularly appreciates the fact that the machines send a temperature reading to his computer every 10 minutes. If the power goes out, the machine will automatically shut off after 30 minutes. Vending increases lunch sales "We got the vending machines because we couldn't get the kids through the serv- ing lines (in the limited time allowed)," noted Donna Martin, foodservice director for Burke County Public Schools, based in Waynesboro, Ga. Her two Star Food machines sell 75 to 150 meals per day and increased lunch servings by 10 percent, she noted, "which is signifi cant." The machines serve entrees in clear, plastic bags, offering salads, chicken fajitas, chicken strip salads, sandwiches, ham and cheese rol- lups, peanut butter and jelly rollups, meal bars, juice, fruit and chips. The Star Food machine's remote data system inter- faces easily with the school cafeteria's POS tracking software from Heartland Payment Systems. Since all kids in the district are eligible for fully Donna Martin, foodservice director at Burke County schools in Waynesboro, Ga., says vending machines have increased lunch servings significantly. check to the school. Rothstein has opted not to activate cash acceptance on the machines in order to discourage vandalism. The school uses posters and staff demon- strations to teach kids how to use the machines. The POS software, from PCS Software, allows her to see how many kids use the machines, Rothstein said. Last fall, Richland Bean Blossom High School, Elletsville Ind. used a $5,000 state dairy council grant to buy an Alpine vend- ing machine from Vend-ucation to replace a refrigerated food machine that only accepted cash and did not interface with the cafeteria POS system. Vickie Coffey, food and nutrition director, wanted to promote reimbursable breakfast sales as well as a la carte items in addition to lunch meals. The machines offer whole grain peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, whole grain cereal bars, low-fat string cheese, cereal bowls, fruit, 100 percent fruit juice, reduced fat white milk, Splenda iced tea and bottled water. C ONT INUED ▶ reimbursable meals, Martin opted not to allow any cash acceptance. Kids simply enter their ID number and birth date on a pin pad. More recently, Miami Dade County, Fla. schools purchased 70 Star Foods machines, mainly as a way to serve reimbursable meals at its 350 schools, said Susan Rothstein, coordinator for nutritional wellness. Nearly three quarters of the students are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Rothstein said she became inter- ested in the Star Food machine after reading about it in a school foodservice publication. Rothstein said she was able to secure grants to cover the cost of the machines. Rothstein said the Star Food machine's remote monitoring system interfaced easily with her cafeteria POS tracking software. When a student enters his or her ID number and birth date on the pin pad, the system determines one of three reimbursable levels: free, reduced or paid. The district is then reimbursed $2.79, $0.40 or $0.28, accordingly. The meals have three to fi ve components, offering combinations of yogurt, salads, sandwiches, wraps, fruit and vegetables. The most popular is fruit, yogurt and granola parfait, Rothstein said. Students who are required to cover some of the cost can replenish their account by bringing cash to school, paying by credit card on the Internet, or by sending a Bob Marley always said he would return to farming one day. With MARLEY COFFEE, his son Rohan Marley is fulfilling that dream in honor of his father. Our 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain® Pods are award winning! Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee is considered by many connoisseurs to be the world's finest. We hope the soulful aroma and exceptional taste of our premium quality, gourmet coffees and teas will satisfy the souls of your customers. We invite you to come enjoy a cup of Marley Coffee at NAMA Oneshow — April 25-27, Booth #447 ONE LOVE Sustainably Grown • Ethically Farmed • Artisan Roasted Contact us for Custom OCS Programs: 323-556-0746 sales@marleycoffee.com marleycoffee.com May 2012 VendingMarketWatch.com Automatic Merchandiser 27