Foodservice
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October 9, 2026
El Camino College in Torrance, California, is exploring the addition of hot- and cold-food vending machines to give students more dining options when campus foodservice locations are closed, according to a report in the campus newspaper The Union.
The college’s Associated Students Organization plans to survey 100 to 200 students during an Oct. 12-13 event to determine demand for the machines, preferred meals, dietary options and acceptable prices.
Student government President Keilani Camargo told the newspaper the proposal is intended to address limited dining hours and provide convenient alternatives to existing campus foodservice operations. The organization has contacted Southern California-based First Class Vending to explore available food options and potential operating arrangements.
Student leaders have also researched vending programs at Compton College and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Psychology student Emily Curley told the campus newspaper that hot-food vending could encourage her to purchase meals on campus rather than leave to eat elsewhere.
The proposal remains in the preliminary stages, with equipment costs, funding and machine locations still under consideration. Camargo said student government funds could potentially cover the expense, while a contract with First Class Vending would address stocking, cleaning and maintenance. The plan must undergo additional review, including discussions with the college’s Food Service Committee, before a vending agreement can be finalized. The machines could offer an alternative for students seeking meals outside traditional dining hours, although no installation timetable has been established.
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Dining and Cooking