Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can milk vending machines distribute snacks, too?

A: Yes, certain models, particularly glass front machines, have shelves capable of distributing different sizes of foods like cheese, fruit and yogurt. See the vending machine manufacturer information or call a local distributor to get more details on which model is right for you.

Many locations are interested in having a dedicated machine specifically for healthier vending fare. If you offer dairy items, Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association also provides free "3-A-Day of Dairy" graphics for most glass front machines within our service territory. Contact us for graphics inquiries.

Q: Are there any milk vending success stories?

A: Certainly! There are write-ups of local school programs on the vending successes section of dairyspot.com.

Additional articles on school vending can be found at:

• National Dairy Council
• USDA Team Nutrition

Q: What is the best way to start a milk vending program?

A: The best way to start a milk vending machine program depends on your school and foodservice operation. Before you get started, there are a few questions to consider. These are some basic questions that will give you more insight into what it takes to start a milk vending program. After answering the questions, be sure to check out our business model section, which showcases a few of the different business models you can follow. Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association also offers assistance with starting your program. Contact us and we can help!

Q: How does milk vending affect milk and other beverage sales?

A: Adding milk vending to your school offers a profitable way to increase your milk sales. The School Milk Vending Test showed no evidence of lunch line milk cannibalization. Milk vending may slightly cannibalize other vended drink sales but does so at a great benefit to the nutritional needs of children. Instead of drinking sodas and juices, kids drink a delicious beverage filled with calcium and eight other essential nutrients.

Q. Will kids really choose milk instead of soda from a vending machine?

A. They certainly will! In a recent test of milk vending machines in schools, 68 percent of all students bought milk and 30 percent bought it more than once a week. In fact, students surveyed said they would be as likely to buy milk as any other beverage from vending machines. Flavored milk in particular performed well in the test markets, with kids choosing chocolate and other flavored milks nine to one over white milk. Students like having an alternative to other vended items, and they love the portable, re-sealable bottles and ice-cold taste of fresh milk.

Q: Is milk vending profitable?

A: Yes, milk vending can be a profitable business for schools, processors and vending operators given the right product mix, pricing and operational components. The recently conducted Fluid Milk Strategic Thinking Initiative studies show that milk vending provides a big sales opportunity. Milk vending generates truly incremental sales, delivering increased overall revenue in vending areas. Not only can it be financially rewarding, but it is a product that is nutritionally rewarding, too!