Gov. Pat Quinn visited a suburban school Friday to emphasize the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and to participate in the school’s “Breakfast in the Classroom” program as part of the 2012-13 Illinois School Breakfast Challenge.

“No child should begin their school day with an empty stomach,” Quinn said. “The Illinois School Breakfast Challenge will help children across the state have a nutritious start to their day, so they are ready to learn, grow and play.”

Illinois’ School Breakfast Program is a federal entitlement program that provides states with cash assistance for non-profit breakfast programs in schools and residential child care institutions. The program is optional unless at least 40 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.