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The Norwin School District in North Huntington, Pa. announced its satisfaction with the YoNaturals healthy vending program. Its middle school, with 850 students, and high school, with more than 2,000, have each had a YoNaturals vending machine in place since January. "I’m extremely enthusiastic about this product," said Rod Stewart, director of food services, in a prepared statement.

The company’s machines meet a big need for students, staff and local residents, Stewart added. Until this year, anyone staying after school for sports, clubs or community activities and craving a snack or drink had to settle for something like a cola or a snack cake. So when YoNaturals called him, it seemed a perfect fit. Their machines hold more than 300 items, all of which meet state nutritional standards. For instance, YoNaturals could provide the Vitamin Water Stewart couldn’t get from a local distributor. In addition, they could offer the teas, natural sodas and wholesome snacks missing from other machines.

Early on, YoNaturals ran up against schools that had exclusive, more lucrative contracts with other vendors, the company claimed in a press announcement. But health concerns and the threat of possible litigation have led many to eliminate these machines or modify their offerings. Thirty-seven states now have nutritional guidelines for vendors. These developments have helped open the door to YoNaturals.

The YoNaturals product range includes all the best selling natural and organic drinks and snacks, including Stacy’s Pita Chips, Clif Bars, Apple & Eve juices, Roberts Pirates Booty, Fiji Water, Horizon Organic Milks and Honest Beverages, among a group of over 300 different all-natural and organic products.

Students in Norwin schools are still buying sports drinks and traditional soda, but Stewart thinks YoNaturals’ alternatives are an important learning tool. "We have to educate people about what food does to their bodies so they end up making healthy choices," he said.