Katie Waxman, Author at The Vending Station Blog

Five Coffee Trends to Enjoy in Jacksonville

Posted on August 31, 2020September 3, 2020 by Katie Waxman

2020 has been a whirlwind with a lot of changes. Thankfully, the coffee industry continues to deliver a variety of delicious beverages that can help create a moment of peace and enjoyment for Jacksonville employees. Let’s take a look at five coffee trends that will boost any break room experience.

Specialty Coffee

Roasters big and small have continued to help grow this trend. They offer special or premium brands and products that deliver a unique experience to their customers. So, what makes specialty coffee special? According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), specialty coffee is “defined by the quality of the product, whether green bean, roasted bean or prepared beverage and by the quality of life that coffee can deliver to all of those involved in its cultivation, preparation and degustation. [It is] a coffee that delivers satisfaction on all counts and adds value to the lives and livelihoods of all involved.”

Cold Brew

While this refreshing cold beverage has been around for about five years, it’s not going anywhere any time soon. In fact, 80 percent of industry leaders surveyed as part of research performed by the Allegra World Coffee Portal USA found that cold brew was the fastest growing beverage in coffee shops. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a coffee drink, it’s now considered a must on any menu.

Sustainability

As with many other snacks and beverages, consumers want to know more about the origin of their coffee. Where did the beans come from, who grew the beans, and how were the beans roasted? But sustainability isn’t only about the beans. It’s also about the other products that are used to enjoy one’s favorite caffeinated beverage. Can a reusable mug be used? What about the straws? Are the paper supplies made from recycled products or are they compostable?

Non-Dairy Alternatives

Traditional non-dairy options like almond milk continue to be very popular. However, there is a new option that has made a bit splash―oat milk. According to a Café Pulse report, sales of oat milk have jumped by a whopping 425 percent since 2017. A great alternative to nut milks, oat milk is made from steel-cut oats that have been soaked in water, blended, and strained through a cheesecloth. Like raw oats, the dairy-free beverage offers some fiber, protein, and important vitamins.

Decaffeinated Options

Lastly, let’s not forget about the decaf. This may be a bit surprising, but 2020 has seen multiple roasters add decaf to their offerings. The quality of many decaf options has vastly improved recently as consumer demand for the beverage increased. Millennials and Gen Z, especially, have contributed to the shift as they look to decrease the amount of caffeine they are ingesting.

Whether you’d like to add all these trends or just a couple to your Jacksonville break room, The Vending Station can help. We offer full-service OCS as well as vending and micro-market services that can be customized to fit your unique break room needs. For more information about all our refreshment options, please call us at (407) 891.7632.

Healthy Choices Are on the Rise in Orlando

Posted on August 17, 2020August 18, 2020 by Katie Waxman

2020 has changed many things for Orlando individuals including an increased focus on healthy eating. Many consumers have discovered a connection between what they eat, how they feel, and their unique health needs, but unfortunately, many individuals still do not consume enough fruits and vegetables.

What’s in demand?

Compared to 2017, the last time we checked in to see what the top fruits and vegetables were, the top 11 fruits and vegetables purchased in 2019, in descending order are: potatoes, bananas, apples, tomatoes, onions, strawberries, grapes, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and oranges.

Each one of these offers specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit a different part of the Orlando consumer’s body.

Fruit

bananas: source of potassium; help lower blood pressure
apples: source of flavonoids, an antioxidant; lower risk of developing diabetes and asthma
strawberries: great source of antioxidants; help decrease inflammation and hardened arteries
grapes: source of resveratrol, an antioxidant; help prevent heart disease and may reduce the spread of breast, stomach, and colon cancer cells
oranges: source of folate, a vitamin for pregnant women, and hesperidin, a phytochemical that can lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels

Vegetables

potatoes: source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, and B-complex; help lower plasma LDL cholesterol keep blood sugar stable
tomatoes: source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins; protect against cancers and ultra-violet (UV) rays; protects eyes from “age-related macular related macular disease” (ARMD)
onions: source of chromium, quercetin (an antioxidant), vitamin C, and B-complex; help control diabetes, offer anti-inflammatory properties, and help with brain health
carrots: source of carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex, copper, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants; help protect against skin, lung, and oral cavity cancers, maintain eye health, and help maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth, and gums
broccoli: source of fiber, protein, iron, calcium, selenium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, K, and an array of B vitamins; lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps improve eye health
bell peppers: source of vitamin C, vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and antioxidants; help improve eye health and reduce the risk of anemia

Organic or Conventional?

According to the USDA’s ChooseMyPlate program, most adults should consume between 2 – 3 cups of vegetables and 1.5 – 2 cups of fruit per day. To understand which fruits and vegetables an individual should add to their diet, it is important for them to learn more about their potential choices, both organic and conventional.

Recent research from The Packer’s 2019 Fresh Trends survey found that the overall demand for fresh fruits and vegetables is up compared to the previous year (2018). Survey participants also indicated a preference for Fair Trade (59 percent) and locally grown produce (55 percent). Organic produce sales in 2019 increased by almost 5 percent over 2019 and represented 15 percent of the entire fruit and vegetable market in the U.S.

The growth in sales for organic produce didn’t plateau after 2019. Sales of organic produce during the spring of 2020 jumped dramatically after the onset of the pandemic. According to Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association, “The pandemic has only increased our desire for clean, healthy food. Our normal lives have been brought to a screeching halt by the coronavirus.”

To maintain a healthy diet especially right now, it is important for everyone to have access to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables especially during the workday. Orlando employers can help by offering healthy snacks and beverages at the office that are made from fruits and vegetables. Whether your break room menu could use a few more healthy options or needs to be redesigned, The Vending Station can help. For more information, please contact us at (407) 891.7632.

Orlando Break Rooms Need to Adapt

Posted on July 17, 2020July 20, 2020 by Katie Waxman

Sometimes even unwelcome changes can have positive effects. For many Orlando break rooms, the unexpected events of 2020 have compelled employers to reexamine what and how they offer refreshments to their employees. This is not to say that traditional refreshment options in break rooms are no longer appealing to employees because they still are. It’s about understanding the changes to eating habits and other needs that the pandemic and lockdown have triggered and incorporating those.

A Healthier Diet

For many Orlando employees, the constant flow of COVID-19 related news triggered an inward reflection about health and diet. Consuming food is no longer only about stopping hunger or a pleasant experience, it’s now also about food’s functional or health benefits. According to data from Tastewise, an organization that provides data about all things food related, the use of the word “’immunity’ in the context of food searches rose 27% between February 2019 and March 2020.” Searches using other words related to one’s immunity have also increased.

For example, Google searches for fruit such as mangos and berries as well as herbs and spices have substantially increased over the past year. Fruits and vegetables offer a variety of nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E that the human body can use to boost immune function. Other popular search terms include sleep-supporting, energy drinks, and plant-based. The term “plant-based” has appeared in more than just online searches. Consumers have purchased 200 percent more plant-based meat substitutes during the past year compared to the year before. Eating more plant-based foods can help with weight loss which in turn also benefits the immune system.

Providing Support

Break rooms have gone through many different transformations since they first appeared in workplaces. In 2020, employers have the opportunity to transform their break rooms again into spaces that support employees’ physical and mental health as well as offer sought after refreshments and café-style coffee service. In addition to the dietary considerations mentioned above, there are two less tangible things employers can focus on—creating an environment where employees feel a sense of control and are able to focus on emotional connections with their colleagues.

Because of the extreme amount of change and uncertainty that many Orlando employees have had to cope with during the past several months, consistently well-stocked break rooms can provide a basic sense of control for employees. Questions such as what to eat or drink and where to find a place to purchase those items become something employees no longer need to worry about. Break rooms can also be used as a space to safely recreate a sense of community that many individuals have missed during a variety of lockdowns and work from home periods. We are here to help.

The Vending Station is here to offer support to Orlando employers during this challenging time. We can help safely transform your break room into a welcoming space that offers a variety of better-for-you and traditional refreshment options. For more information about any of our services including office coffee service, micro-markets, and vending machines, please call us at (407) 891.7632.

6 Ways to Re-Invigorate Your Jacksonville Break Room

Posted on June 29, 2020June 28, 2020 by Katie Waxman

How will COVID-19 impact your Jacksonville break room going forward? The place that was once a great location to dine, socialize, and collaborate will need to change to better serve your employees and meet post COVID-19 needs. But let’s be clear about one thing—these changes don’t have to be negative. A safe, well-maintained break room is still a valuable benefit that positively affects employee morale and boosts company culture.

The following are six ways to re-invigorate your break room. (Please be sure to implement them in a way that follows the recommendations issued by public health agencies and experts.)

The Physical Layout

Depending on the size of your space, there are several options that can help encourage social distancing.

Limit the number of employees allowed in the room at one time.
Reduce or eliminate seating options.
Move equipment and displays further apart if space allows.

Even without available seating, employees will still be able to enjoy the benefits of grab-and-go food and beverage options. Convenient refreshment options also encourage fewer employee trips away from the office during the workday.

Refreshment Selections

With the need for extra safety protocols, open stock and communal options should be replaced with more individually packaged choices. An increase in availability of individually packaged snack and food options will provide an additional layer of protection and offer Jacksonville employees a larger variety of on-site options.

Cleaning and Sanitation Practices

Cleaning and sanitation practices will need to become both more specific and all encompassing. Countertop surfaces and high touch areas should be cleaned and disinfected more thoroughly and frequently. Jacksonville employees should be able to easily access disinfecting wipes in the break room as well as hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations, which should be kept well-stocked.

Your Service Provider’s Policies

Break room providers operate differently. It is important to make sure your provider follows strict health and safety protocols. In addition to communicating clearly and openly about their COVID-19 response, they should share information about their warehouse protocols. Delivery drivers should perform the following procedures at every visit.

wear masks and use a fresh pair of gloves or wash their hands.
be aware and respectful of new processes your company has put into place to ensure your employees’ well-being.
thoroughly clean all equipment and high contact areas at the end of every call.

Technology’s Advantages

State-of-the-art technology can already be found providing many benefits in many of today’s workplaces. Begin by understanding which technologies your refreshment provider offers and encourage your Jacksonville employees to use them. Employees may be able to use their smart phone to pay for vending machine or micro-market purchases, report issues, request new items, and see your provider’s COVID-19 policies.

Employee Buy-in

Lastly, employees need to understand and commit to creating a safe workplace while employers need to consistently provide up-to-date communication to ensure new policies and procedures are being followed. Employers can post reminders and tips, especially in shared areas, and encourage and recognize employee’s efforts to follow new procedures. It’s up to each employee to create a workplace that keeps their co-workers healthy.

Do you need help exploring available options to create a safe and usable post COVID-19 break room or updating your current refreshment menu? The Vending Station can help with that and more. For more information about our extensive snack, beverage, and fresh food options, please call us at (407) 891.7632. We look forward to hearing from you.

It’s National Candy Month in Orlando

Posted on June 16, 2020June 19, 2020 by Katie Waxman

Sweet treats such as candy and chocolate can deliver more than a sugary boost for Orlando employees. They can also play an important role in an individual’s well-being according to “Sweet Insights: State of Treating 2020,” a recent National Confectioners Association (NCA) study, and John Downs, NCA president and CEO.

A key takeaway from the study, which surveyed more than 1, 500 adults about the products they buy and why, is the understanding that participants firmly believe that “chocolate, candy, gum and mints are an essential part of their lives and emotional well-being” and “that good emotional well-being leads to better physical well-being leading to a happy life.”

As with the snack and beverage industries, the confection or candy industry is also concerned about meeting consumers’ changing expectations. The industry understands that there are many different types of consumers and to be successful in the long run, they need to consider the demands of the less traditional candy consumer.

Manufacturer transparency is a key factor for this segment of consumer. They want to know where ingredients are sourced from, how those ingredients are produced, and if that process is environmentally sustainable. Alternative ingredient options including vegan, plant-based, and organic ingredients as well as a company’s approach to social responsibility also play a role in many consumers’ decision-making process.

Since National Candy Month occurs during the month of June, it’s a great time to add a bit more fun and sweetness to the start of summer. This year many Orlando employees are craving an ‘emotional well-being’ boost after dealing with the COVID-related challenges of the past several months.

To meet Millennial and Gen Z employees’ desire to make choices based on personal preferences and beliefs, Orlando employers should first inquire about the products their employees want and then offer a variety of traditional and alternative candy, chocolate, gum, and other sweet treats in the break room. There is plenty of space in vending machines and micro-markets to customize a refreshment menu that includes both.

Vending machines and micro-markets also support personal safety and hygiene policies as they offer products that are individually sealed and use 1-touch or contactless payment systems. Offering in-demand fresh food, snacks and cold beverages rounds out any refreshment menu and provides a safe way for employees to purchase items while staying safely on-site.

For more information about customizing your current break room menu or creating an entirely new break room experience, please contact The Vending Station at (407) 891.7632. We look forward to hearing from you.

Break Room Benefits in Jacksonville

Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by Katie Waxman

A Jacksonville break room can either positively or negatively impact employees’ workplace experiences. Bland, dark spaces with snacks and beverages no one likes will turn employees away. Well-designed break rooms with plenty of comfortable seating arrangements and delicious snacks, beverages, and fresh food encourage relaxation, spontaneous interaction between colleagues, and creativity. Even though COVID-19 has caused many changes during the past several months and decreased break room visits, micro-markets and vending machines still have an important role to play as employees return to work.

Each Jacksonville employer will reopen their place of business differently and on a timetable that fits their unique organization. Promoting CDC recommended guidelines for “healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing and employees wearing a cloth face covering, as feasible” as well as encouraging social distancing or staying at least 6 feet away from other individuals and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily are just a few new behaviors employers will likely recommend.

A micro-market or set of vending machines is also a tool that Jacksonville employers can use to encourage social distancing, fewer in person interactions, and less time in unknown environments. For example,

Micro-markets and vending machines offer cashless or touchless payment options including mobile payments and are great for grab-and-go situations.
To use a micro-market, employees will scan their snack or beverage; scan their smartphone or swipe a debit/card; and walk away.
To use a vending machine, employees will touch the machine once; scan their smartphone or swipe a debit/card; and walk away.
Both micro-markets and vending machines are open 24/7, encouraging employees to stay onsite during their workday.
Staying on-site instead of going off-site for a bite to eat or beverage helps employees avoid external and less controllable environments.

Jacksonville employers should also consider the types of snacks, beverages, and fresh food that will be offered. Making better-for-you choices is more important than ever. Healthier ingredients like fruits and vegetables provide the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that everyone needs to support their immune system. Bottled water and other healthy beverages help by keeping everything in the body hydrated and moving more efficiently.

While healthy options are necessary for a healthy immune system, it is also wise to offer traditional options that are “fun” or provide a mental boost such as chocolate and other snacks. Most Jacksonville employees have been under prolonged stress and enjoying a favorite snack or beverage can provide a bit of an emotional or mental pick-me-up. Offering a balance of traditional and better-for-you options will help employees find the products they need when they want them.

The Vending Station is here to help you safely bring your employees back to work. For more information about our sanitation and safety policies or upgrading your break room to include a micro-market or vending machines, please contact us at (407) 891.7632. We are here to help restart the Jacksonville economy one break room at a time.

Break Rooms in Orlando Offer a New Opportunity

Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by Katie Waxman

Workplace break rooms are more important than ever. As Orlando businesses reopen with new procedures designed to ensure employee safety amidst ongoing concerns about COVID-19, the break room experience must also shift. While break rooms continue to be a convenient benefit for employees, they are also an opportunity to limit outside influences on controlled office environments.

Micro-markets and vending machines are two refreshment services that provide a safer way for employees to access fresh foods, snacks, and beverages. Items offered in micro-markets and vending machines are individually wrapped in secure packaging for a quick and easy grab-and-go experience. Break rooms with vending machines or micro-markets also provide cashless payment options, limiting contact even further.

By providing Orlando employees with plenty of delicious and nutritious options in the break room, employers are able to satisfy their employees during the workday, limiting their potential exposure to viruses by reducing trips off-site. Rather than feeling like this is a difficult obstacle to overcome, our industry is here to support your business.

Last week, members of the refreshment services industry came together to send a heartfelt and reassuring message to customers throughout the nation. The message (shot in isolation from each person’s home or business) is an inspiring 2-minute video. The takeaway from this video is clear: break room service providers are here to support companies as they transition toward a safer working environment.

The Vending Station is here to support you. We are also responding appropriately to our state’s COVID-19 re-opening schedules and guidelines and have adopted even stricter health and safety measures. Delivery drivers are following social distancing guidelines and are washing their hands or putting on a fresh pair of gloves before each visit. They are also sanitizing all contact surfaces and high touch areas at the end of every service call.

Our goal is to leave break rooms cleaner than we found them. Additionally, we have implemented social distancing policies in our offices and distribution centers and are closely monitoring our employees’ health.

Whether your organization wants to upgrade your refreshment menu or add new services, we will create a customized solution that meets your unique needs. For more information about our services or safety policies and procedures, please contact us at (407) 891.7632.

Coffee Offers Many Benefits for Jacksonville Employees

Posted on April 28, 2020April 28, 2020 by Katie Waxman

It looks like it’s true—coffee may indeed help promote weight loss for Jacksonville individuals. In addition to decreasing the risk of developing a number of diseases including type-2 diabetes and heart disease, the caffeine found in coffee has been shown to help promote weight loss in several different ways.

In one study, caffeine was shown to increase the body’s metabolic rate to a certain point which triggered a specific type of tissue in the collarbone area to burn calories.
Caffeine has also been found to block adenosine, a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and causes tiredness. By blocking adenosine, the caffeine creates a different reaction that causes an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The result is that individuals feel more energized, awake, alert and focused.
The third and most recent study found that participants who consumed four cups of coffee per day had a four percent decrease in body fat. Unlike the previous two studies that show how caffeine impacts the body, this study gave specific amounts of coffee consumed and body fat lost. (One note of caution—it may not be healthy for everyone to drink four cups of coffee every day.)

While understanding that the caffeine in coffee can help with weight loss is interesting, coffee has a much more important role to play right now. Providing office coffee service (OCS) in Jacksonville break rooms is a valuable benefit that can help keep essential employees on-site during their workday. Convenient access to hot caffeinated beverages also creates small opportunities for moments of relaxation and supportive interactions among colleagues.

In 2020, OCS is about more than the traditional brewer, although that is still a popular option in many Jacksonville break rooms. Single-cup brewers and other types of commercial brewers including those that prepare single espresso-based beverages enable all employees to safely choose from a variety of popular and sustainably grown brands without leaving the building. For those individuals who don’t like coffee, offering a variety of black, green and herbal teas is a must.

And don’t forget to include fresh food, cold beverages and healthy snacks on the break room refreshment menu. With longer workdays and the extra stress essential employees are facing, employers can help by removing one necessary task from their employees’ to-do list; remembering to prepare and bring food and beverages to work every day. A break room full of delicious options is a benefit that all employees can appreciate.

The Vending Station would like to make sure that your Jacksonville employees have the fresh food, snacks and caffeinated beverages that they need. For more information about our current offerings, please call us at (407) 891.7632.

Appreciating Earth Day 2020 in Orlando

Posted on April 16, 2020April 17, 2020 by Katie Waxman

Traditionally, April would be a time to celebrate Earth Day and share with Orlando individuals the many ways we focus on making environmentally friendly decisions. However, given the current situation, we’d like to approach Earth Day 2020 a bit differently.

While we will continue to support Orlando local businesses the way we always have by providing coffee and healthy fresh food, snacks and cold beverages in break rooms, we’d also like to suggest a few fun activities and small steps that everyone at home can try to celebrate Earth Day.

The non-profit organization, Earth Day Network, that organizes the event highlights more about the purpose of the day. “Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and provoke policy changes.”

The following six suggestions are small things that can be incorporated into everyday routines and support the overall goals of Earth Day.

Take a Walk
Moving is important for everyone especially now. Not only does it offer health benefits, but it can also relieve stress and boost one’s mood. If it’s safe in your Orlando neighborhood, take a walk and safely pick up trash as you go.

Plant a Garden
Whether it’s a few tomatoes or different herbs, planting a vegetable or herb garden is a great way to provide for yourself or your family. If planting a garden in a yard isn’t an option, create a small garden in several pots that can sit on a windowsill or balcony.

Declutter a Closet
Instead of “What’s in your wallet,” we should ask, “What’s in my closet.” Now is a great time to declutter a closet and remove the things that are no longer used. There might be clothes that could be donated to a local charity, too many cleaning supplies that could be shared with a family member or items that could be fixed instead of purchasing new ones.

Conserve Water
There are two simple things that everyone in Orlando can do to decrease the amount of water used. The first is to turn the water off when brushing your teeth. This one small step can save up to eight gallons of water a day. The second thing is to make sure there are no leaky faucets in your home. Small leaks not only waste water, but they also increase water bills.

Turn off the Lights
This may be an old tip, but it can still have a big impact on the amount of energy being used.

Go Paperless
With the unexpected extra time many Orlando individuals now have, it’s a great time to move as many bank statements and bills as possible online. Making the switch saves paper and eliminates one more expense—stamps.

Eventually, Orlando employees will be able to return to work. We’d like to be there to help your organization support your employees by safely providing on-site access to everyone’s favorite fresh food, snacks, cold beverages and coffee service. For more information, please contact The Vending Station at (407) 891.7632. We look forward to rebuilding our community together.

A Micro-Market and Meal Times in Jacksonville

Posted on March 31, 2020April 1, 2020 by Katie Waxman

A carefully planned and well-stocked micro-market is an employee benefit that isn’t fully appreciated until it is experienced. Employees have access to an inviting and relaxing space with a customizable menu full of products, from fresh food, coffee, healthy alternatives and cold beverages to everyone’s favorite snacks.

Considering what types of food and beverages are available when and where is an important component for Jacksonville employers to consider when determining a break room’s design and menu. The reason why is related to recent research performed by Packaged Facts, an expert in research and expert analysis.

According to David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts, “There’s a surging fluidity to modern mealtimes. The reality is U.S. adults are increasingly eating differently.” The adults that Sprinkle is referring to are Gen Z (18- to 24-years-old) and Millennials (25- to 34-years-old).

Not only did the research show that fewer adults are eating “breakfast before 9 a.m., lunch before 1 p.m., and dinner before 8 p.m.” but more participants are eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Going back to Jacksonville break rooms and the micro-market; offering a variety of options in your micro-market can meet the needs of employees who consume various meals at both traditional and nontraditional times of the day.

The first of several reasons why a micro-market is a great option is the overall look and feel of the break room. Each micro-market layout is custom designed to fit your unique space and offers an updated look and shopping experience. With open racks, shelves and glass door coolers, employees can browse and pick up items and read labels before deciding.

Access to the micro-market 24/7 is the second benefit. With modern technology, employees can access snacks, beverages and fresh food at any time of the day whether it’s 10:00 am or 10:00 pm. Self-checkout kiosks, mobile apps and security systems remove the need for additional employees to monitor the break room and keep track of product inventory levels.

The third benefit is that we take care of it all. With fully automated technology, we receive data about real-time product purchases. Using that information, we can rotate in more of the products your Jacksonville employees enjoy and add new products to keep things interesting.

A micro-market is truly a sought-after break room benefit. Access at any time of the day plus a variety of delicious refreshments equals happier employees and a boost in workplace morale. Are you ready to take the next step?

For more information about micro-markets or other break room refreshment options including office coffee service, please contact The Vending Station at (407) 891.7632.