It’s the end of third block when hunger hits and waiting until C lunch seems impossible. I review my options: find food or be distracted by a growling stomach for the next block. However, all my food options are more daunting than an empty stomach.

The vending machines that are scarcely scattered across the school are seriously lacking. From the overpriced, flavorless Cassava Pops to the liquidy hummus and pita chips that taste remarkably like cardboard, the “healthy” food stocked in the vending machines is arguably barely eatable.

I’ve been to other schools close by Mason and marveled at their vending machines and food options. Other schools have top notch snacks and drinks like Doritos, Gatorade, and candy. These may not be the most healthy foods, but at least they’re better than the flavorless options available here.

The foods available in our vending machines to promote healthy eating, actually do the opposite. It reinforces the idea that healthy foods can’t be good too. Just because the food in the vending machine has to be healthy doesn’t mean that it can’t taste good.

The same old food will sit in the vending machine for long periods of time because nobody wants it. Students would be a lot more likely to buy food from the vending machine if it tasted better, therefore earning money for the school and eliminating the issue of old, stale food.

Mason should bring back the old vending machines that had Gatorade and REAL chips. It’s a simple solution to the issue and would benefit the students and the school.