Mom was right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Children who skip it experience stomach aches, headaches and sleepiness, but that's not all. According to the Dairy Council of California, they also have trouble concentrating and get fidgety, anxious, indecisive and even hostile.

More than half of the teachers surveyed by the Carnegie Foundation reported that poor nourishment was a problem in their classrooms. A study by Tufts University found that children who ate breakfast at school did better on standardized tests and were late or absent less often than students who didn't. And Hebrew University researchers concluded that children who ate breakfast at school, close to class time, outperformed both their peers who didn't eat breakfast and those who had eaten earlier at home.

Pittsburgh Public Schools, recognizing the importance of the morning meal, this year will provide a free breakfast for every student who wants one.

This is good thinking. Studies show that students who have a nutritious breakfast can pay attention longer and work more quickly and more accurately. And if everyone is eligible for breakfast, there's no stigma attached to accepting it.

The district also is expanding its free lunch program, so all students will be eligible in 41 of its schools and early-childhood education centers where the poverty rate is at least 80 percent. In other city public schools, free or reduced-price lunches will continue to be available.

Michael R. Peck, the district's food service director, said he proposed extending the free breakfast program to all students and expanding the lunch program after he saw a jump in the poverty rate during the last academic year. And, because the food service program is funded largely by state and federal dollars, Mr. Peck said increased subsidies, not local tax dollars, will cover the cost of the additional meals.

The district has made a smart decision that should help students get a good start each morning and reduce distractions from rumbling tummies.