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1. What is Smart Vending?

For the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Smart Vending is a campaign to provide healthier snack and beverage choices in vending machines on M-NCPPC properties including the Department of Parks and Recreation. 

2. Why has Smart Vending begun at Department of Parks and Recreation facilities?

• We care about your health!
• Prevention and management of chronic disease is essential for improving the overall health, life expectancy and quality of life for all our patrons and employees. 
• We want to create healthy communities through people, parks, and programs. 
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other health experts, small steps, like making healthier food and beverage choices more widely available in vending machines, can help reduce the frequency of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and other recurring diseases.
• We want to work with our partners to reduce obesity and to promote a wellness within the County. 
• Health and wellness is a major focus of its Formula 2040: Functional Master Plan for Parks, Recreation and Open Space. 

3. What is the M-NCPPC Smart Vending Policy?

Any packaged food and beverage item offered shall contain no more than:

• 0.5 grams of trans-fat per serving
• 200 milligrams of sodium per package
• No more than 200 calories per package
• Less than 35% of total calories from fat except for foods containing 100% nuts or seeds with no added fats
• Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat
• No more than 35% of calories from total sugars excepts for 1%, 2% or non-fat dairy products, non-dairy milk products, fruits, and vegetables
• At least on healthy food choice offered must meet the Food and Drug Administration's definition of "low sodium" (<140 mg per serving)
• Sugarless chewing gum and mints also meet healthy food choices specifications

Healthy Beverage choices shall meet the following specifications:

• Individual healthy beverage choices offered in vending machines must contain fewer than 40 calories per serving unless specified below
• The following beverages also meet healthy beverage choices nutritional standards even though they exceed 40 calories per serving:
  • Fat-free milk; 1% low fat dairy milk; calcium or vitamin D fortified soy milk with less than 200 calories per containers
  • Packages containing 12 ounces or less of 100% fruit juice, vegetable juice or fruit juice combined with water and no added caloric sweeteners and no more than 200 milligrams of socium per container.
• Vegetable juice must contain <230 milligrams of sodium per serving.

4. Will all vending machines within the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation meet the Smart Vending Standards?

Yes. We are transitioning machines, and when completed, all Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities will have machines with healthier snack and beverage options. There are, however, a few facilities that we do not own, buy may host our programs. While their vending machines may not adhere to the policy, we are hopeful that they will support our efforts.

5. Is it a permanent change?

Yes, it is a full Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission change in both Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. 

6. Will this policy bring a price increase?

According to our policy, food and beverage items that meet the Healthy Vending Standards must be similar in price or less expensive than products that did not meet the Healthy Vending Standards previously stocked in the machines. 

7. Does the policy call for fresh produce?

No, the policy does not currently call for fresh produce. However, there will be tasty snacks such as nuts and dried fruit available to eat. 

8. What is M-NCPPC's view on artificial sweeteners?

M-NCPPC is currently reviewing the literature on the pros and cons of the use of artificial sweeteners. Once a decision is made about the use of artificial sweeteners, it will be reviewed periodically. 

9. Can I suggest snack and/or beverage options that meet the Smart Vending Standard?

We welcome your suggestions of items for the new vending machines. Please email wellness@pgparks.com or call 301-446-6800 with your suggestion(s).

10. Has this initiative been successful at the other agencies?

Yes! Park and recreation agencies, schools, hospitals, and many other organizations have begun to make these changes to support better outcomes. Please visit the National Parks and Recreation Association’s website for more information and success stories at www.nrpa.org/success-stories/Healthy-Vending.