Vending machine doles life lessons at Discovery Gateway


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SALT LAKE CITY — A vending machine at the Discovery Gateway Museum is drawing attention.

Maria Farrington, a museum employee, said this particular exhibit is creating a lot of buzz.

"All of us are conditioned to put money in and get sugary, sweet sodas," she said. "Here, you don't have to put money in. It tricks you by saying, 'Woah, no money, it's free!' "

It's called The LiveWell vending machine, and it has some serious attitude. When kids push the buttons, instead of getting a sweet treat, they get life advice.


All of us are conditioned to put money in and get sugary, sweet sodas. Here, you don't have to put money in. It tricks you by saying woah, no money, it's free!

–Maria Farrington


"Back up! Back up! No seriously, for your health, move away from the vending machine," blares an automated voice.

When kids try to grab a snack, they get a message about health in its place.

"It's some information that will carry us not only throughout that whole day, that whole summer and hopefully our whole life," Farrington said.

Farrington said health is a message that's important for visitors, whether they're aged 2 or 62 years.

The exhibit at Discovery Gateway is a permanent fixture. There's also a travelling vending machine that visits schools, hospitals, and other public venues.

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UtahLifestyle
Brooke Walker

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