HEART of ENGLAND fine foods (HEFF) has developed a project aiming to install vending machines in schools that are stocked with food and drink that has been regionally sourced.The directive of the project is to provide two schools per county in year one (2006-2007) and two schools per county in year two (2007-2008) with vending machines, these machines will be purchased by HEFF. The vending machines will be stocked with local food and drink that is a healthier option to the products that have been traditionally vended. Objectives To help producers to develop new and sustainable markets Increase healthy eating in schools and to encourage children to eat a balanced diet Raise awareness of regional food and drink Encourage the development of new products or new product lines HEFF plans to take a whole school approach by educating the children not only on the benefits of healthy eating but also on how regional food and drink is produced and on the seasonality of foods. HEFF may also be able to support other ventures by helping to source local healthier produce that could be used in vending outside of schools. Types of products that we are looking to vend are water, fresh & dried fruit, nut & pulse mixes, milk products, yoghurts and pure fruit juices. If you are a producer and have products that may be suitable to vend please contact the HEFF office: office@heff.co.uk.