Andy Mackensen was tired of hearing about the growing childhood obesity trend and the serious health conditions that accompany it. Instead of simply turning off the news, the self-described social entrepreneur decided to take action to help kids make healthy choices, Seacoast Online reports.
Mackensen and Sean Kelley founded HUMAN, Helping Unite Mankind and Nutrition, a line of vending machines that make healthy food options available at hospitals, gymnasiums, community centers and
schools, the news source reports.
"We want to get healthy products and education in the kids' minds and hands early so they know how to eat right," Mackensen told the news outlet.
About 1,000 vending machines are being used in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. In addition to offering healthy snacks, the machines - which are
eco-friendly and energy efficient - provide nutritional information on LCD screens. Each item for sale has been screened and approved by health experts. Fruits, veggies, granola bars, pita chips, chilled foods and beverages as well as meals that can be heated up are available.
In addition to eating nutritiously, exercise is crucial to raising
healthy kids. Whether climbing
commercial playground equipment or going for a walk in the woods, all kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.