Healthy at Hopkins Coming to Vending Machines–New Nutritious Options Available

To employees of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System Corporation

Having a healthy snack can be an important part of your day. Snacks can provide that boost of energy you need to keep going in the afternoon, and can decrease your hunger to keep you from overeating at mealtime. There are many snacks to choose from, but the key is to select a tasty one that will help—not hurt—your body.

In a continuing effort to provide options that support employees—as well as our patients and visitors—in making healthy choices, more nutritious snack options will be offered in the vending machines at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and on the Johns Hopkins at Eastern campus.

Effective Nov. 17, 80 percent of the snack choices in vending machines at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and on the Eastern campus will meet the following nutrition standards:

• less salt
• less saturated fat
• no trans fat
• more fiber
• lower calorie options
• whole grain options
• baked chips and pretzels
• sugar free mints and gum

A team of subject matter experts, including faculty and staff members from the Johns Hopkins University schools of medicine, public health and nursing, collaborated to set these nutrition standards for snack options based on scientific literature and professional association guidelines.

Symbols can be found on the vending machines to make it easier for you to identify these healthy choices.

Be sure to try one of the new nutritious snacks. Small steps toward eating healthy can make a difference.