For many Sonoma Academy students, the vending machines are an essential part of the school day. From the freshmen spending everything in their wallets for another packet of goldfish to the juniors getting their third Yerba Mate of the morning, the vending machines are a convenient and quick option. A recent development threatens to change this: price increases.
Some students are upset with this development. “I feel that the prices were unnecessarily increased,” said sophomore Leighton Petty (‘28). “The target demographic is students, so we don’t have a lot of money- this just makes it so less kids can afford products.” She and junior Hannah Perry (‘27) both noted that they primarily spend money on Yerba Mates, which have gone up in price by twenty-five cents.
Others have suggested taking different approaches to make student opinions heard. “I think we should boycott the vending machines and then we should all band together and bring stuff from off campus,” said sophomore Derek Donahoe (‘28). When asked if he thought that would make a difference, he admitted, “No.”
Not all students are bothered by the price increases. “I think it’s a little silly, because you don’t have to buy anything from the vending machines if you don’t want to,” Luisa Cholas (‘27) a junior, stated.
Hannah also said, “The price increases are justified by general inflation. The snacks cost more than they would at Costco, but less than at Whole Foods, which I think is what they’ve always been. As long as they’re similar enough to where the actual economy and the market is, I guess it’s fair.”
Beyond price hikes, some students have voiced frustration over product reductions. “The Oreos are the worst part because they kept their pricing, but there are now only four cookies in a pack when there used to be six,” Derek said.
In response, some students have pursued alternatives. Some see it as an opportunity to get creative, or to support local businesses.
“You can buy snacks and bring them to school, or you can eat fruit from the GAC or off the trees,” Luisa said, offering alternatives for students left high and dry by the price increases. She added, “And some people are eating the salad toppings, I think that’s really funny.”
Others have turned to stores to provide what the vending machines once did. “I’ve just been buying Costco-size packs of Yerba Mates and splitting them with my family,” Hannah said. “Or stuff from the corner store, because I’d rather support small businesses.”
Despite complaints, the vending machines remain popular. Students continue to flock to them out of habit, convenience, or caffeine cravings. However, the price increases and product changes may drive students to explore other food options on campus, including the GAC fruit corner or raiding advisory snacks.
While some students are irritated, the overall response suggests that vending machines will continue to be a staple of Sonoma Academy life- just at a slightly higher cost.