Tom Lamont’s fascinating piece on the world of vending machines (The long read, 14 April) raises the question of how much their round-the-clock availability of confectionery, energy drinks, savoury snacks and chocolate adds to the UK’s obesity crisis? There are more than half a million vending machines in the UK and some operators are trialling more nutritional fare. However, drinks and packets are the mainstay. The annual cost of obesity to the NHS is £6bn (Last rites? Supermarkets’ annual Easter egg bonanza to end, 16 April). A partnership between vending machine operators and the NHS could reap dividends in improving the nation’s diet and health.
Sam White
Lewes, East Sussex
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