The National School Breakfast Program provides free, federally funded breakfasts to school kids. But a recent study found nearly half a million Illinois kids who qualify are missing out.
Bob Dolgan is the Illinois No Kid Hungry Campaign Chair and says problems include a stigma.
"(The program) is often associated with lower income students and for students who are in families struggling to make ends meet, it can be a challenge to acknowledge that in the morning there is a need for some extra food to get by and maybe have to go into a separate area to have a meal away from their friends and their classrooms," Dolgan said.
There are ways to avoid sending kids to the cafeteria for food. Among them, Grab N Go and Breakfast In The Classroom.
During School Breakfast Week in Illinois, Dolgan says the goal is to get the word out to parents, teachers and administrators about better ways to make sure the food gets to those who need it.
He says studies have shown a link between the programs and academic success.
"Hungry kids are not able to pay attention and learn like those who have been fed," he said.
