Technology+Vision=Better Schools
News.com has an article about HorizonOne, a company that is utilizing technology in a way that makes a difference and makes a profit. They have created new, high-tech vending machines for schools that dispense healthy food and teach children how to eat in a more nutritious manner.
According to the article:
Software installed in the refrigerated box connects the student IDs and purchase data to Horizon’s point of sale servers, which automatically track students’ prepaid account IDs, along with information on whether a student qualifies for free or discounted lunch rates based on household income. School districts get reimbursed by the government for a fraction of the discounted cost when they sell a balanced meal–under USDA rules, three of five of a bread, protein, dairy or fruit and vegetables–to low-income students.
Finally, and this is the selling point for parents who want oversight of their child’s eating habits, parents can log onto a secure Web site, called MealPayPlus, to see what their child ate for lunch, or how they snacked on any given day. They can also add money to their child’s account directly on the Web site
This is a very, very cool idea and a true win-win-win for school districts, parents, and children. The kind of solution that really can only be done with integrated technology and cooperation between everyone involved. The only losers here are the existing vending industry and suppliers. They have stubbornly insisted on delivering food that maximizes their profits and tried to lock them in with exclusive contracts and payments to schools that border on bribes.
Kudos to HorizonOne for their innovation and vision!
