Healthy snacks to be offered in Brussels metro vending machines
An initiative is under way to introduce vending machines offering nutritious snacks in three key Brussels metro stations, VRT NWS reported on Monday. The new machines will appear at the Arts-Loi, Montgomery and Schuman stations, while other stations may be added later.
The initiative was announced by Brussels regional Mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt in response to concerns raised by the francophone green regional MP Thomas Naessens, who pointed out that existing vending machines only contain processed foods with added sugar or salt.
The Brussels regional government issued a call for tender last year to find a supplier of vending machines with healthier alternatives.
A candidate emerged in June and later agreed with Brussels' public transport operator, STIB, to carry out a trial at three strategic locations. According to Van den Brandt, the machines will be installed this month or next month.
The duration of the trial period is not known, but it is likely that the initiative will be extended to other stations this year, possibly in cooperation with a second supplier.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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