Parents Try Out LLA's Organic Vending Machine Choices by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Parents Try Out LLA's Organic Vending Machine Choices

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
November 20, 2013 at 12:00pm. Views: 305

Parents curious about the snacks their children are eating during the school day at Loma Linda Academy (LLA) Jr. High got the chance earlier this month to try them out for themselves. During a parent/teacher meeting at the school on Nov. 7 the school's healthy snack food distributor, Acima Food Services' vending division, held a snack expo and invited parents to not only see, but also taste, the snacks - vegan and organic - their kids are eating. "We wanted parents to see and taste these snacks their kids are buying, and also for kids to try new brands. They taste just as good as any other snacks, just (with) less sodium and other junk," said Carlos Reis, a key account manager with Acima Food Services. The snack expo, the first the school has held, was "a way to let [parents] know we're hearing them," said LLA Jr. High Vice Principal Elizabeth Muñoz Beard. Heeding requests presented by parents and also LLA's desire to encourage a healthy lifestyle (the school also offers vegan lunches), LLA Jr. High began working with Acima in the 2011-2012 school year, explained Muñoz Beard. "It was progressive. It developed," she said. The decision to implement healthier snack options came from a "combination of being a health-conscious campus, parent input and the students' needs." Loma Linda is famous for its health consciousness, including the vegan diets of many residents and the prominence of the Loma Linda University Medical Center's influence, and the city is designated as one of the world's Blue Zones. "A majority of the parents work in the area, and are health-conscious or are health practitioners, and we wanted to work in their desire for their children to eat health-conscious snacks," said Muñoz Beard. Healthy vending machine choices include vegan and organic snacks by California snack companies including Lenny & Larry, Cool-Cups Gel, Snikiddy Snacks and BareFruit. Snacks include apple chips, vegan jellos and chips. This year, shared Muñoz Beard, Loma Linda Academy High School also began offering these healthier snack options. "Organic and natural snacks have come a long way," said Reis. "They taste good and have nutritional value. There was a time when health snacks were just trail mix and granola bars; well, times have changed." Getting the kids on board with the change wasn't a challenge, Muñoz Beard said. "We eased into the program. I haven't heard kids complaining, and I don't think there has been a significant impact as far as [decrease in snack sales]. They're pretty tasty - I've tried them myself."

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 539

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 618

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 543

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 334

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 562

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 720

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 687

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 808

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 548

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 490

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 778

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 382

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->