Philanthropy is a deeply meaningful passion and pursuit. There are actually numerous areas of focus, a lot of individuals, groups and communities in need. How then do you determine where to direct your time, talent and treasure?

For some it stems from issues close to home. For others, it stems from issues half a world away. Oftentimes, the inspiration manifests as a result of information that suddenly came to light.

That is what this article will be close to. One statistic stirred a passion for me that led to a brand new program and hopes of inspiring others to follow suit. If you're searching for inspiration for a philanthropic endeavor, perhaps this tends to inspire you.

Every day hundreds of children in countless communities go to school on an empty stomach. The reasons can vary from a simple lack of appetite first thing in the morning to poverty. It is an alarming statistic highlighting a situation that a lot of men and women don't even realize exists.

Of great concern will be the impact that lack of food in the morning has on school children.

Dozens of studies done around the world, demonstrate the significant impact that a nutritional breakfast may have on school children. Students who miss breakfast often suffer from reduced academic performance, poor memory and lack of attention through the school day.

"Over the past five years, significant new evidence has documented the link between eating breakfast and learning. Recent studies show that skipping breakfast...is linked to quantifiable negative consequences for academic, cognitive, health, and mental health functioning."

Studies consistently show that students who consume a nutritious meal before class demonstrate better classroom performance, improved concentration and stronger grades. Children have also proven to make wiser food decisions later in the day if they have filled up with a healthy breakfast.

School boards and health organizations are responding to these concerns. Thanks to the support of federal departments, the efforts of not-for-profit organizations and also the generosity of community members, More Bonuses school healthy meal programs are on the increase. Healthy meal programs ensure that students receive a nutritious breakfast or lunch or both (even snacks!) several days a week.