Am I trashy for having vending machines?

[Anonymous 1]

I was called cheap, trashy, and stingy by the mom of one of my sons friends

My house seems to be the most popular place. I think it is likely because it is big, close to school, and we have a lot of fun "toys" for the kids. I dont have a problem with it until I come home to a ton of my stuff eaten. It isnt uncommon for there to be 20 kids that are not mine here at a time

A few months ago DH's boss replaced the vending machines at his work. We asked if we could buy the old ones. They are fully functional just outdated compared to the high tech ones his work has now.

We set it up in the basement and it is set to charge $0.50- $2.00 depending on the item. My kids actually think it is pretty cool and it has cut down the amount of problems. Friends are no longer allowed in the kitchen and must bring their own snacks or buy some. Water is always available but that is about it.

Apparently this makes me the worst person ever lol. I know it is not conventional but I was sick of going through tons of money to feed kids that were not mine. I would rather everyone has options instead of flat out saying no food for anyone at all.

Figured I would see what opinions are like on here just out of curiosity

ETA: These are a bunch of teenagers we are talking about. I refill the vending machines 2-3 times a week every time they are empty. It isnt like 4 or 5 friends who come over every once in awhile.

[Anonymous 2]

I'm not sure I believe this. If true, it's not something I'd do.

[carterscutie85]

I think that's genius lol.

My friend growing up had a retro arcade game, Galaga. Her parents got sick of the kids being on it 24/7. So they made it to where each kid had to pay a quarter to play, and the way the game was set up if you ran out of lives you had to put another quarter in to play again. Cut way back on the kids being on it all the time.

[Deleted User 1039]

Yes. If money is that tight, just don’t buy snacks everyone. Or don’t host.

It’s the same as someone charging friends and family per plate at events. If you can’t afford it, just don’t do it. Don’t charge guests money for food in your home

[Sassy762]

[CrazyJenn]

lol

[Anonymous 1]

Yes. If money is that tight, just don’t buy snacks everyone. Or don’t host.

It’s the same as someone charging friends and family per plate at events. If you can’t afford it, just don’t do it. Don’t charge guests money for food in your home

These are not people I have invited over for an event. Just random kids at my house usually for a little after school.

[MistressMonster]

Not something I'd do.

[12skipafew]

I had a friend with a full arcade in his basement and multiple vending machines. We thought it was fun lol. Their dad did break out a change jar though if we ran out of money.

I think that's genius lol.

My friend growing up had a retro arcade game, Galaga. Her parents got sick of the kids being on it 24/7. So they made it to where each kid had to pay a quarter to play, and the way the game was set up if you ran out of lives you had to put another quarter in to play again. Cut way back on the kids being on it all the time.

[lunarprancer]

I think it's awesome.