New computer software developed by Columbus Children’s Hospital researchers will allow schools to color code the snacks available to students in vending machine based on their nutritional value.

Kristi Houser, research dietitian at Columbus Children’s Hospital, said the software would give young people an easy-to-use system that leads to hassle-free nutritional decisions.

School officials would input 10 key components posted on the nutritional label of the food packaging into the Snackwise software program on their computers. The key components include: total energy, total and saturated fats, fiber, sugars, protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C.

The program automatically computes the points and assigns the appropriate rating to the snack foods. Ratings for the top 100 most common vending machine snacks have already been computed in the program.

According to the researchers, the rating system means schools can be assured they are providing their students with highly nutritious snack food options, while retaining the financial benefits of vending machines.

“Columbus Children’s Hospital is in the process of changing its vending machines as well as developing green machines containing only healthy food choices as well as non-food choices especially for children.” said Houser.

Researchers said the program would soon be available to schools around the country.

Other sources: Columbus Children's Hospital