The Independent View: No Kid Hungry Organization

No Kid Hungry is fighting to make sure the 1 in 5 children in New York City who struggle with hunger start the day off right with breakfast.

The simple act of eating a nutritious meal in the morning increases test scores, reduces absenteeism and behavioral problems, and increases the likelihood of graduation.

New York City is in last place for feeding hungry kids breakfast, and one decision could take the city from last to first.

CLICK HERE to sign a letter to ask Mayor Bill de Blasio and School Chancellor Carmen Fariña to make sure that every kid in New York has the healthy food they need, by serving breakfast during the school day.

School breakfast can change lives. Research shows when a child eats breakfast, they do better in math, attend school more often and are more likely to graduate, powering them for a successful future.

Even though breakfast is free to all kids in New York City public schools, less than one-quarter are actually eating the meal that fuels their day. New York City is the largest school district in the country, yet when measured against the nation's other urban districts, it's in last place for feeding hungry kids breakfast. That's not good enough for my city.

New York City could go from last in the country to first with one simple change: serve breakfast during the school day.

Serving breakfast during homeroom or after the first bell means hungry kids can eat without the stigma of their classmates knowing they don't have enough food at home. It means busy morning schedules and transportation delays won't stand between an empty stomach and a focused mind.

Mayor de Blasio, as a mayoral candidate you promised to expand breakfast in the classroom to every school. This common sense policy change would take the city from last place to first place in serving breakfast. That's something New Yorkers can be proud of.

Now's the time to deliver on that campaign promise for the children of New York City.