"That's how much salt is in one serving, and that's the percentage of salt that one serving contributes to your 100% daily need for salt. Now, look near the top of the box to see how big a 'serving' is."

"One 'serving size' is two tablespoons. Okay, I got it. If I eat two tablespoons of soup, I'll get 33% of my daily need for salt."

"Yes, that's right. But that's only half the story. How many servings are in one container?"

"Let me see. There are 16 servings in one container. I think I understand, Mom. There are two packages in this box. Each package is equal to one container. If I eat a whole package, which I always do because I love chicken noodle soup, I'll eat 8 times 2 tablespoons, or 8 times 33%, or, let me see, about 260% of my daily need for salt. But Mom, that's too much salt! That's enough salt for 2-1/2 days."

"You're a clever boy! Yes, that's too much salt."

"So, can't we just buy salt-free chicken noodle soup? That's an easy solution. Problem solved."

"Yes, if we can find it. Many products don't have a salt-free version. And, the ones that do have a salt-free version usually charge more than for the salted version."

"That's crazy—it has less salt, but it costs more money?!"

"Yes, it's a crazy world, honey."

"Well, I'll fix that. When I grow up, I'm going to be president, and I promise, there will be cheap, salt-free chicken noodle soup for everybody, Mom!"

"You're a good boy, Barack."