LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — This week is National School Breakfast Week. It’s meant to recognize the importance of providing all students with a healthy meal to start the day.

The American Dairy Association and some anti-hunger organizations stopped by Blue Creek Elementary School in the North Colonie Central School District to highlight school meal programs.

Experts said healthy eating improves test scores and student behavior. Tony Richardson, a former NFL player, was part of Wednesday’s event and discussed the role healthy eating played in his career.

“One thing I stressed was my nutrition and understanding if I can’t build muscles or I can’t be productive if I’m not eating a well-balanced diet,” he said.

The district started offering free meals to all students in December after the federal government expanded eligibility. The nutrition director said the number of students eating breakfast at school has increased by 125 percent since then.