CHICAGO – January 11, 2018 – Blind Vendors and members of the Vending Machine Operators of Louisiana (VMOL), working together with NAMA, will debut the association’s FitPick program at the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge during the first quarter of 2018. Launched in 2005, FitPick -- NAMA’s signature nutrition and wellness initiative -- identifies “better for you” snacks right at the point of purchase, based on nationally recognized nutrition standards.

“We take our responsibility to enable consumers to make an informed snack choice very seriously. As we work toward a formal program launch, we’re excited to showcase the industry’s commitment to providing “better for you” snacks in vending machines in Baton Rouge. We consider this a first step in what we see as a larger footprint for the program in Louisiana and beyond,” said Nicky Gacos, president of the National Association of Blind Merchants and NAMA Board Member.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the State of Louisiana and related parties to further expand and enhance FitPick,” said Chuck McMath, president of VMOL. “Member companies throughout Louisiana have actively worked to provide “better for you” snack choices accessible to consumers.”

Scheduled to launch later this Spring, the program in Baton Rouge will feature FitPick-compliant snacks in vending machines located in the Claiborne building. A formal program debut will showcase a “Taste of FitPick” to include product tastings and program information.

The Baton Rouge launch follows large scale commitments from Blind Vendors to offer FitPick programming in public buildings in Illinois and Connecticut.