Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the commissioner may contract for or authorize the placement of vending machines dispensing food, nonalcoholic beverages, milk, or other items the commissioner deems appropriate and desirable in highway safety rest areas, travel information centers, and weigh stations on marked interstate highways and primary trunk highways. The commissioner shall only place vending machines operated under United States Code, title 20, §§ 107 to 107e and as provided in section 248.07.