National Association Of Blind Merchants Endorses NAMAs Healthy Vending Standard

CHICAGO -- The National Association of Blind Merchants has endorsed the National Automatic Merchandising Association's Fit Pick as the nutritional standard of choice for blind entrepreneurs operating vending machines in government buildings.

NABM, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, is encouraging all blind entrepreneurs to ensure that a certain percentage of products they offer meets Fit Pick standards. The organization has pledged to work hand in hand with NAMA to educate blind entrepreneurs about products that meet those standards and how to market them while maintaining profits.

NABM said it recognizes that blind entrepreneurs who have the privilege of serving customers in government buildings have an obligation to offer healthier options to those customers who want and demand them. The challenge is how to offer healthier foods while maintaining adequate profits.

"We believe in a balanced approach that focuses on giving customers choices," said NABM president Nicky Gacos. "We also believe that a critical piece of any strategy must include educating our blind entrepreneurs and host agencies on how to best achieve the goals of good health and profit."

Gacos emphasized that the challenges blind entrepreneurs face are no different than the rest of the vending industry. "Whether it is healthy vending, labeling, or the content of coins, we must work with NAMA to address critical issues because what's good for the industry is ultimately good for blind entrepreneurs," he said.