[UPDATE]
After nearly two months without soda machines on MISD campuses, the Coca-Cola machines have arrived. This gap occurred because, before installing new machines, Coca-Cola resourced the number of machines needed and surveyed all MISD campuses to ensure they provided the best number of machines for students.
“Losses will be minimal,” Mr. Harper said. “Coca-Cola is installing more machines at the high schools to give the students better and more convenient access.”
The 20oz sodas cost $1.50, and some drinks in the Dasani machines cost up to $1.75. This will help make up for the profits lost while in between Dr. Pepper and Coca-Cola contracts. In addition, Coca-Cola has taken steps to raise access to their machines. Still, some students feel skeptical about the new machines.
“I think they’re good, but I don’t like how they’re all diet,” freshman Megan Whittler said. “I get that it’s school machines, but in the Dr. Pepper machines, they had regular drinks instead of all diet.”
[October 27]
After a ten-year contract with Dr. Pepper came to an end, MISD will switch to using Coca-Cola machines and products. The new contract with Coca-Cola will no longer allow the selling of any Dr. Pepper products in the vending machines on campus or at games held in MISD stadiums. However, this does not apply to student nutrition, the PTSA or special on-campus events.
“We did not want to limit the Student Nutrition Department or any outside organizations on what they can or cannot use or sell outside of the Stadiums and Concession Stands,” said Mr. Ed Harper, Director of Purchasing for MISD. “With Dr. Pepper, the District had to purchase Deja Blue water only for all events and campus use. With the new agreement, they can purchase their water from wherever they want to.”
The replacement of the machines does not currently have a schedule because the contract between Coca-Cola and MISD has not been signed. However, according to Mr. Harper, the contract with Coca-Cola provides clear benefits over that of Dr. Pepper.
“Vendig prices for all vendors were very close.” Mr. Harper said. “The decision was based off of the extras that Coca-Cola provided.”
Over the five year term of the contract, Coca-Cola will provide $375,000 in sponsorship money, $30,000 for Marketing Activation and Sports Kits, $22,000 in district rebates, and $15,000 worth of donated products for a total of over $440,000. In this same time span, Dr. Pepper would provide only $120,000 and Pepsi would provide only $220,000.
Few major differences other than the drink type will affect the majority of students. However, the new machines will only charge one dollar for a soda whereas the Dr. Pepper machines charged $1.25. Despite that, senior Addy O’Barr, who often bought Dr. Peppers at games and other school events, feels upset about the change.
“I love going to games and events, and when I buy snacks there, I typically get candy or chips and a Dr. Pepper,” O’Barr said. “The extra quarter was worth it.”
