NAMA Responds To Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Healthy Vending Initiative

“As the national association representing the vending and refreshment services industry, we applaud Mayor Emanuel and the City of Chicago in promoting informed choices in the area of health and wellness,” said Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), in a prepared statement.

"Since 2005, through our national initiatives Balance for Life and Fit Pick, we have been at the forefront of the nutrition solution in the vending channel. Specifically, we provide consumers from all walks of life, including families and children, with the important nutrition information they need to make the right food choices," said Balakgie.

"NAMA's Balanced for Life and Fit Pick designates products that meet recognized nutrition standards," she continued. "In fact, Fit Pick has been adopted by businesses throughout the country, and even by all four branches of the U.S. armed forces.

"The vending industry welcomes the opportunity to work together with the Mayor's Office, the Chicago Department of Public Health and Chicago Public Schools to advance our mutual agendas,” she concluded. "As the association representing the vending industry, we are uniquely positioned to make an impact since our members serve millions of consumers throughout the country, every day."