PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Kids who come to school hungry are not ready or able to work. Research shows that a healthy breakfast increases alertness and can help academic performance. That’s why the federal subsidized breakfast program for children from low income families began in 1966.

However, many kids skip the early breakfast in cafeterias to get to class on time.

Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom, a collective of four organizations was recently launched with $3 million from Walmart. The Washington-based Food Research and Action Center in a study of 23 cities, reported in Education Week that those who provide breakfast in classrooms free for all kids, rather than by income in cafeterias, have the highest participation rates.

Breakfast in the classroom efforts are growing as is another initiative with “grab and go” bags regardless of family income. These programs are indicative of the concern over low achievement of the nation’s kids — looking to improve academic performance while keeping kids healthy.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio