OBJECTIVES Increasingly, childhood obesity has become a major concern across the United States, with West Virginia (WV) having the third highest rate in the nation. Recent legislation in the state has attempted to combat this problem, partly by limiting the availability of unhealthy beverages in school vending machines. The purpose of this study was to assess current availability of vended beverages and importance and allocation of associated revenues. METHODS Questionnaires were administered to principals (696) of all public schools in WV. The instrument included questions regarding location and contents of vending machines accessible to students and the use of vending revenues. RESULTS A total of 586 (84%) principals responded, and 228 (39%) indicated vending machines were available at their schools (15.3% of elementary schools, 77.8% of middle/junior high schools, and 96.6% of high schools.) Seventy-three percent of principals in schools with vending machines indicated that revenues were somewhat or very important to the school's overall budget. This differed significantly by school level (p<0.001), with more high schools indicating importance than middle or elementary schools. Forty-one percent of principals reported annual vending revenues of less than $1000, 35% reported revenues from $1000 to $4999, and 24% reported revenues of $5000 or more. Revenues also differed significantly by level, with high schools reporting higher annual revenues than middle or elementary schools. (p<0.001). Although significant concerns were voiced about the impact of the legislation on vending revenues, more than 80% of principals reported that revenues remained stable or showed little impact. CONCLUSIONS Revenues from vended beverages and other competitive foods are often important to the school's overall budget. Principals' concerns about declining revenues can be an impediment to policy change designed to improve the school nutrition environment. Our preliminary data indicate revenues need not be reduced by limiting unhealthy beverages.