Vending machine industry launches anti-obesity program

Thursday, January 13th 2005, 11:57 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The vending machine trade association is launching an anti-obesity campaign to encourage healthful food choices, hoping to fend off efforts to remove machines from schools and improve the industry's image as concerns grow about the fattening of America.

The program, ``Balanced for Life,'' is being unveiled Thursday at an event featuring pro football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann.

The effort by the National Automatic Merchandising Association includes a color-coded rating system for food sold in vending machines, indicating healthful choices and those that should be eaten in moderation.

The group hopes to influence public opinion by encouraging nutrition education and physical activity programs in schools and through media coverage, the association's Web site says.