Nine out of 10 headteachers have had to personally give breakfasts to hungry pupils, it's been revealed.
A survey of commissioned by the Mayor's Fund for London found that children were coming to school so hungry that 90 per cent of heads felt the need to intervene.
Almost all of those surveyed said they had seen evidence of children starting the day without breakfast.
According to the Evening Standard, half of the heads claimed pupils are ill during the school day because they are hungry.
The news came after Boris Johnson launched London's Biggest Breakfast, a campaign to fund free breakfast clubs in the capital's schools.
The charity funds breakfast clubs in 60 London schools, giving food to 2,500 children, but wants to increase that number.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Getting involved with London's Biggest Breakfast is an easy way for companies and individuals to help London kids get a healthy breakfast and set them up for their school day."
More on Parentdish: Hungry families turn to school breakfast clubs for free meals