At the same time, there is growing nationwide concern about obesity and overweight adolescents.

Reflecting this concern, a California law took effect in July 2004 banning soda, candy and chips from elementary school cafeterias and vending machines. Two bills now pending in the state legislature aim to restrict the availability and content of vending machines in California high schools.

However, local officials say the vending machines provide needed revenue. They also say the vending machines offer at least a few healthy items to students who are surrounded by places off-campus where they can purchase unhealthy snacks.

"Both state and local budget problems over the last several years have increased the pressure to find new sources of funds," said Geoffrey Kiehl, an assistant superintendent and chief business officer with the district.

As a result, said Kiehl, in an email interview, the school district signed a 10-year deal with Pepsi four years ago. As a part of the $150,000-per-year contract, each of the district's five high schools now has vending machines dispensing soda as well as bottled water and both 100 percent and mixed-fruit juice. The Pepsi contract helps fund a variety of programs, including athletics, music, arts and drama.

"Nobody wants to have vending machines in schools," said Richard Lowenthal, who serves as board president of the Fremont Union High School District Foundation, a fundraising group, "but unfortunately the schools are so poorly funded right now we have to consider it."

As a basic aid district, the district is not paid by the state for each student like most districts are. Instead, the district is funded by property taxes, which have declined while the district has experienced a surge in enrollment. The district currently spends more than $8,000 per year to educate each student.

Also surging of late has been people's weight, including teenagers. Last fall the Berkeley-based Public Health Institute estimated that roughly 33 percent of California adolescents are at risk of being overweight. Overweight children are more likely to be heavy as adults and experience health problems, including diabetes and heart failure. The New England Journal of Medicine also published a study in March 2005 forecasting shortened longevity for Americans due to obesity and its resulting health problems.

Because of this growing public health concern, California passed its 2004 law banning vending machines in elementary and middle schools. State Sen. Mary Escutia's bill now proposes setting strict nutritional standards for all items served in vending machines, effectively eliminating junk food. A second bill by state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod and sponsored by the California School Food Service Association would limit the size of vending machine products but allow them to continue to offer junk food.

However, Kiehl points out that even if either bill is approved, students still have other sources for their snacks.

"The unhealthy alternatives are still just a 7-Eleven away for those who are determined to get their junk food," said Kiehl, noting the district allows students to go off-campus for lunch. "At least we are providing them healthy alternatives," he said of the bottled water and juice.

"I'm sure the district would prefer not to have vending machines," said Lowenthal, "but it's a tough choice they have to make."