By David Albelais ‘22

The Roundup

Billy Easterp ‘24 using the only source of beverages on campus at Michael’s cafeteria. 

When returning to school on Sept. 8th, Brophy students found an important part of campus missing: the vending machines. They were mainly removed for health reasons due to COVID-19 and the danger of transferring diseases.

The vending machines were placed outside Brophy Hall and were active throughout the day before the pandemic started. Mainly, they were used for a quicker and cheaper source of beverages so that students could stay hydrated in between classes and not waste time. 

The vending machines were a great resource for students in many ways. It worked as a quick “pick me up” in between classes, a quick resource of water or any type of hydration if Michaels was closed, and it was a cheaper alternative for students who try to limit their budget on food and beverages. 

The main reason why the vending machines were removed from campus was because they ran a risk of transmitting COVID quickly considering how many people would buy from them every single day.

According to Alec Von Borries ’23, these vending machines were an important part of his day and most of the time, an important part after a workout.

“I think this was a bad decision because I really enjoyed the vending machines. After school or after track, I loved to get a Kickstart or a Gatorade considering Michael’s was closed by then,” said removal of vending machines is a disadvantage to students.

Benjamin Para ‘23 considered how it is safer to take them out temporarily but not entirely due to their importance on campus. “The vending machines were useful for when I would forget to bring water or a beverage for my lunch or track, I would commonly use the vending machine.” 

Even though Para thought it was not a bad idea to temporarily remove them from the Brophy campus, he believes they should be returned soon with more precaution and care to make sure no disease gets transferred through the usage of  vending machines. 

Personally, I agree with both Para and Von Borries. The vending machines should be returned back on campus, but should be limited and used with much more care and safety. If the Brophy community promises to be responsible, mature, considerate and most importantly, safe we can have a chance of bringing the vending machines back to our campus. 

Since the disappearance of vending machines on campus, Michael’s cafeteria has continued to sell a limited variety of beverages for a heftier price.

As a result, students have struggled to find a faster and more convenient way of getting hydrated in between classes, long Brophy activities, and most importantly, sports.