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Sacramento Considering Healthier Vending Machine Options

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- From soda to snacks, dozens of items may soon disappear from Sacramento vending machines.

A bottle of Pepsi, half a box of Mike and Ikes or a Snickers all have about 40 grams of sugar. These have become common foods in many kids' diets. Just from getting one item from a vending machine every day. That adds up to 40 pounds of sugar a year.

But if some city officials get their way, you won't be able to get any of this stuff from city vending machines.

Kids may go nuts with the city's proposal to change up their vending machines.

"They're always asking for money for the vending machine," said one mother. "I tell them no."

Most kids have no shame begging when it comes to Cheetos or Fritos.

Sorry sugar lovers. All vending machines at Sacramento community centers, parks and parking garages could soon be low-calorie, low-sugar and low-fat snacks.

Councilmember Kevin McCarty says after 10 years in a contract with Pepsi, it's time to look at bids from outside snack vendors.

"The big picture is trying to make our community more healthy," he said.

In its current contract, the city only profits off Pepsi drinks, not the snacks. A new vendor could mean more money in addition to better choices.

"If we have healthier options families may say, 'oh let's take a look at what they have,'" McCarty said.

McCarty says obesity costs the city $300 million a year in health care and loss of productivity, and it's time they follow through with the city's promised healthy eating, active living campaign.

"Actually, I never let my daughter buy anything out of here and she's asked me a million times," said Carl Simmons.

So Carl has to keep his daughter away from the temptations on every corner.

"If you're surrounded by healthy food, then those are the options you have," one mother said.

The only opposition might be from those who can't get enough of their cola and cookies.

"I don't know if I'd be the happiest if they didn't have more cookies in there," one youngster said. "Every once in a while it's good."

The city is also considering machines that are solar-powered or machines where you can swipe a debit card instead of dig for change. They'll be voting on all of this Tuesday night.

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