Tuesdays and Thursdays are when the vending machines are restocked, and every day of the week, hungry teenagers lineup at the vending machines hoping to buy a snack while avoiding the ridiculous lines and antics at the student store. People buy chips, soda, rice krispies, even cupcakes, but if it’s any day other than Tuesday or Thursday, there is a noticeable empty slot in the bottom left corner of the viewing window. This slot, 603, houses the Honey Buns and sits empty for the 60% of the week. This is because across the 3 snack vending machines, there are only 3 slots for Honey Buns. And if there are only 20 treats per slot, there are 60 Honey Buns to cover 3000 students.
The limited availability of Honey Buns at Shadow Ridge High School has made students question why a snack that is so popular is so hard to find. Although vending machines are replenished frequently, Honey Buns somehow manage to disappear immediately. Some students question whether the vending supply meets the demand or if Honey Buns are being replenished as frequently as other snacks.
“I arrived at the vending machine a couple of minutes after lunch started, and the Honey Buns were already gone,” senior Toby Nelson said. “It’s strange because all the other snacks are still available.”
Some students have started to wonder why Honey Buns are allotted so little vending space compared to other snack foods. Does the company that provides the vending machines possibly underestimate demand for them? Is the school unaware and failing to order the appropriate amount?
“I don’t see why they only have three spaces total for Honey Buns,” said senior Lei Lasike. “It’s like if they’re going to be selling them that quickly, they need to carry more.”
Students have commented on disparities in the availability and replenishment of the machines. While other snacks are plentiful long after refills, Honey Buns seem to be gone immediately, fueling speculation as to whether there are problems with supplies or other influences at work.
“Maybe it’s simply a stocking problem,” senior Kate Quidato said. “But I want to know why this continues to happen.”
Despite the ongoing issue, the school administration has not responded explicitly to the short supply of Honey Buns. Some of the officials have noted the concerns of the students and shown concern in investigating the matter.
“I had no idea this was an issue. I will get to the bottom of this ASAP,” Banker Shannon Berge said. “I can’t have my Shadow Mustangs not getting their well deserved Honey Buns. Please be on the lookout for a bigger supply of the amazing Honey Buns.”
For the time being, students will have to keep a close eye for restock days or find other snack options. Whether the supply will be modified to accommodate the demand is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Honey Buns are a staple at Shadow Ridge High School.
