Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and leading health advocacy organizations Thursday announced the launch of a pilot healthy vending initiative at City Hall. As part of a campaign to increase access to healthy food and beverages, the American Heart Association is working with state and local governments to bring healthy vending machines to public properties.
Public interest in making healthy choices continues to grow, and the new LeanBox vending machine on the 2nd floor of City Hall will offer an array of nutritious snacks, drinks and meals.
“Healthy vending is a great example of how we’re bringing local innovation to City Hall,” said Mayor Marty Walsh after receiving a demonstration of the machine with City Council President Michelle Wu. “This is all about choices and I’m glad the Heart Association, Boston Foundation, and LeanBox came together to offer our employees and visitors healthy snacks and drinks.”
The vending machine uses state of the art technology to provide competitively priced salads, meals, drinks and snacks. The machine is available 24 hours a day, accessed with a free downloadable app, and is part of a one year pilot program.
Allyson Perron Drag of the American Heart Association said, “When it comes to food and beverages, making the healthy choice should be easy. By bringing a healthy vending machine to City Hall, Mayor Walsh is allowing employees and visitors access to smart choices at great prices.”
“This pilot program supports innovation, local business, and healthy eating,” said Boston Foundation President and CEO, Paul Grogan. “The Foundation is pleased to partner with the Heart and Stroke Association and LeanBox to provide a deserved benefit to hardworking city employees and residents of Boston.”
LeanBox’s President Shea Coakley said, “We are on a mission to change the way people access healthy, fresh food. We take a lot of pride in working with Mayor Walsh to provide City of Boston employees and City Hall visitors a healthy, easy alternative to sugary soda and junk food. I’m excited to be a part of everything this administration is doing to help foster a community of innovation and wellness.”