Empowering Healthy Choices and Money Management

Exciting News!

Bridges Middle School is excited to introduce our new Healthy Snack and Beverage Vending Machines! These machines are stocked exclusively with Oregon Department of Education–approved healthy snack and drink options, ensuring students have access to nutritious items throughout the school day.

Healthy Choices

All vending items meet ODE nutrition standards: low in added sugars, reduced sodium and saturated fats, nut-free when possible, portion-controlled, and include approved beverages (water, 100% juice, low-calorie drinks). All items are priced at $1 or $2, so students can easily purchase without needing change.

Cash-Only System

To simplify the process and help students practice real-world financial responsibility, vending machines will operate on a cash-only basis.

Program Guidelines:

• Students may bring no more than $5 at a time for vending use.
• All items are priced at $1 or $2 to make transactions quick and simple.
• No coins needed!
• Students are responsible for keeping their own cash safe throughout the school day.

Student Preparation

Before being approved to use the vending machines, all students will complete short video lessons – at home with their parents – covering: vending rules, responsible use of cash, making healthy food and beverage choices, and consequences for breaking rules.

How It Works

• Students may bring up to $5 in single-dollar bills for vending purchases.
• They may use the vending machines only during approved times (morning break, lunch, or after school).
• Students must keep their cash in a secure place, such as a small wallet, envelope, or backpack pocket.
• Students are responsible for their own spending decisions and are expected to track their purchases.

Benefits

This program promotes healthy eating habits, financial responsibility, independence, and accountability. We’re excited to combine nutrition education with practical life skills for our Bridges students!

Student Rules & Expectations

The Bridges Healthy Vending Machines are a privilege and an opportunity to make responsible choices. Please read and follow these rules carefully.

Rules for Use

• Use the vending machine only during approved times (breaks and lunch).
• Bring no more than $5 in single bills at a time for vending use.
• All items are $1 (most) or $2.
• Keep your cash in a safe place (wallet or backpack pocket).
• Be respectful and wait your turn; no pushing, cutting, or crowding.
• Only purchase approved items — no sharing or hoarding.
• Report any issues (machine errors or spills) to a staff member immediately.

Expectations

Use good judgment when waiting in line, manage your money responsibly, keep the vending area clean, and follow directions from staff members at all times.

Consequences for Breaking Rules

• First Violation: Verbal warning and a review of rules with Mrs. Byrnes.
• Second Violation: Temporary loss of vending privileges (1 week).
• Third Violation: Loss of vending privileges for the semester.
• Serious Misuse (theft, disrespect, unsafe behavior): Immediate loss of vending access and potential disciplinary action.

Remember: Making healthy choices and managing money wisely are skills that will benefit you for life!

Required Vending Program Videos for Students/Parents

INTRODUCTION (0:55)

HEALTHY CHOICES (1:02)

CASH MANAGEMENT (0:48)

RULES & SCENARIOS (1:54)

REFLECTION & CONTRACT (1:01)

STUDENT QUIZ + CONTRACT SIGNING

PLEASE NOTE: Students will not be authorized to use the vending machines at Bridges until both a passing quiz and a signed contract have been submitted.