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New, Kids Healthy Vending Campaign Will Aid Schools, Malls, and Retailers in Providing Healthy Drink and Snack Options for Kids Across the U.S.

Posted on: Monday, 21 April 2008, 09:01 CDT

SAN DIEGO, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The nations leading healthy vending provider, YoNaturals Inc., out of Solana Beach, Ca, recently announced the launch of their latest program, Kids Healthy Vending, which is designed to appeal to children and 'tweens'. The program will soon begin servicing elementary and middle schools, shopping malls, and children's retail stores, and will feature specially selected products intended for children.

While dedicated to improving the snacking habits of all people, the direction of YoNaturals most recent campaign was stirred by the fact that today's youth are, overall, the unhealthiest in U.S. history. More than 12.5 million children are currently overweight, and nearly 13 million more are at high risk of becoming overweight. With related issues on the rise as well, including, but not limited to, early-onset-diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, liver disease, and sleep apnea, it is obvious that a healthy vending program geared toward children is a step in the right direction. Mark Trotter, CEO of YoNaturals, adds that, "This nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity and early-onset-diabetes has attracted attention from parents, lawmakers, and school officials who have become increasingly concerned about the diet of America's school children."

The Kids Healthy Vending program is highlighted by a number of unique features, including its custom, "Kids Healthy", vending machines. These kiosks come equipped to accept cash or an optional prepayment system that allows parents to purchase pre-paid cards for their children. Additionally, through the systems specialized software, parents will also be allowed to view their children's account, and electronically add credits to it at any time. The items offered in the Kids Healthy machines are chosen from a list of 150 products that have been specially selected to appeal to kids, while maintaining high nutritional standards, and also great taste. Some of these, natural and organic, products include; Apple & Eve Organic Juice, Horizon Organic Milk, Stretch Island Fruit Leather, Clif Zbar, and Brothers All Natural Fruit Crisps.

Inspired by a successful 2007 vending campaign in middle and high schools, Mark Trotter explains that, "Last year's program encouraged us to expand upon it in 2008 as a pilot initiative, which has become the cornerstone for Kids Healthy Vending." Trotter adds that, "Another far-reaching effort that we are committed to exceeding with Kids Healthy Vending involves California Senate Bill 19 (SB19), which sets the nutritional standards for food sold in elementary schools. Today the standards set in that policy are used as models for many school districts and states across the U.S. when considering their own reform."

While it is still in the beginning stages of the programs rollout, YoNaturals is already seeing positive feedback from people involved. Kathleen Porterfield, Principal of Encinitas Country Day School, explains that, "Our middle schoolers are thrilled to have YoNaturals machines on campus, and our parents can share in their happiness because it's healthy!" Lisa Hawk, of the Preuss School UCSD, adds that, "We love YoNaturals vending options! The food is not only good, but so healthy, and students swarm the machines during lunch and after school."

The national launch of Kids Healthy Vending is slated for May 5th, a time when many schools districts across the U.S. begin making decisions for the following year. Trotter explains that, "We are looking for both public and private that want to adapt to our Kids Healthy Vending program. YoNaturals now has 53 distributors in 61 cities throughout the U.S., and we're currently seeking distributors in an additional 200 cities."

With support through the programs website, http://www.kidshealthyvending.com/, YoNaturals hopes to educate children, parents, and decision-makers on the value of healthy snacking. They emphasize the importance in taking action now, and provide steps to begin making a positive change for today's youth.

For questions or comments regarding this press release, please contact Kellen Carlisle via email at kellencarlisle@yahoo.com.

YoNaturals Inc.

CONTACT: Nick Yates of YoNaturals Inc., +1-858-794-9955, +1-858-405-5167, nick@yonaturals.com

Web site: http://www.kidshealthyvending.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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