CHSU Discovery

Preventable chronic diseases like hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are rising among American adults, prompting discussions on lifestyle modifications. However, the role of childhood dietary habits, particularly sodium intake, remains underexplored, especially within the Fresno Unified School District (FUSD).​ With increasing rates of childhood chronic illness, early dietary interventions are critical to mitigating long-term health risks. Many children consume most of their meals at school, making the nutritional quality of school-provided meals a key factor in public health. The USDA recommends daily sodium limits of 1,500 mg for ages 4–8 and 1,800 mg for ages 9–13, yet 90% of U.S. children exceed these limits.(Quader et al., 2016). This overconsumption is linked to childhood hypertension, highlighting the urgency of evaluating school nutrition.​ This study investigates whether FUSD meals contribute to excessive sodium intake, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where cost-effective food options tend to be higher in sodium (Cogswell et al., 2014; USDA, 2022). Addressing these dietary concerns could help reduce chronic disease prevalence in Fresno and alleviate strain on the local healthcare system. Finally, the study will propose interventions for FUSD and parents to combat childhood obesity and hypertension.​