Advocates were at the State Capitol on Tuesday to urge state lawmakers to extend free school breakfasts.

School leaders asked for at least $16 million extra in the state budget.

That would provide free breakfasts for all students and no-cost lunches for qualifying kids.

"I notice that some of the kids who don't get lunch are at breakfast the most. They get their breakfast, but then at lunch, I see them sitting sometimes with nothing to eat," said Ava Daponte, an 8th grader from Terryville.

During the pandemic, every school meal was free for all students.