Detroit Medical Center First Site in Michigan to Offer “Healthy” Vending Machines

A granola snack bar might not be bad a vending selection, but what if that vending machine could give you a snack bar that is all natural, gluten and wheat free, has a low glycemic index, has fiber, no trans fats, diary and cholesterol free, very low sodium and no sulphur dioxide. Now that's a snack you can live with.

The Detroit Medical Center has been selected as the first site in Michigan to receive newly designed vending machines that dispense wholesome snacks and beverages.

Michigan's first 2bU vending machines have been installed in the lunchrooms of DMC's

Orchestra Place

administration offices and DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan. The machines, distributed and serviced by Continental Canteen, offer gluten free, organic, all-natural, locally sourced, allergen free, vegan and kosher snacks and beverages with the cost of each item ranging from $1.25 to $2.50. 2bU also provides an interactive digital screen that tells the consumer about each product's nutritional value, calorie count and more before finalizing the selection. 

"When people are busy, stressed and hungry, all too often they grab a nutritionally empty, sugar-laden candy bar or a soda, without even thinking twice about it. As a healthcare system, we want to advocate that making healthy snack choices can make a great difference in your health and wellness," said Dr. Kahn, DMC's Medical Director of Wellness Programs. "When your body is healthier, you mind is healthier and you're more productive in work and in life."

The 2bU vending machines are another tool in DMC's ongoing initiative to promote good health and nutrition for its patients and employees. The 2bU machines are in demand nationally and DMC was fortunate to get Michigan's first. Others could be installed at DMC down the line.

Posted by, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center.