Joe Viana

Joe Viana, in close collaboration with UCLA researchers and nutritionists, implemented an evidence-based trial of healthier vending machines at UCLA, designed to increase sales of healthier items without compromising the bottom-line revenue from more than 30 trial machines. Results indicated healthier machines sold four times better than conventional machines, and that the trial machines did not lose revenue or profit. Viana’s work has triggered a review of UC-wide policies around vending, and spurred discussion around healthy vending at the national level with Partnership for a Healthier America, which works with the private sector and Michelle Obama to make healthier choices easier.