Fruit Snacks Unmasked: Examining the Hidden Health Risks for Students

Cassandra Bien-Aime

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: Public Administration (MPA)

Faculty Research Mentor: Yeonkyung Kim

Abstract:

School nutrition is a cornerstone of childhood development, influencing both physical health and academic performance. This research examines the nutrition programs in two major Texas cities: Houston and San Antonio through the lens of accessibility, health impact, and the quality of food offerings. Programs like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) aim to provide free and nutritious meals to students, yet critical questions remain: How effectively do these initiatives serve the communities they target? And what hidden challenges, such as the widespread use of artificial additives like Red Dye 40, compromise their impact?Through comparative analysis, the study explores the successes and limitations of these programs, highlighting the societal and health disparities exacerbated by early exposure to synthetic additives. Additives like Red Dye 40, present in fruit snacks and other food items, raise concerns about hyperactivity and long-term developmental risks. The paper also evaluates alternative strategies, including Universal Free Breakfast programs, and addresses logistical and financial barriers.Ultimately, this research underscores the need for policy reform that prioritizes health equity, transparency, and the elimination of harmful additives. The findings aim to inform future school nutrition policies, advocating for a shift toward programs that truly nurture the minds and bodies of the next generation.