ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) –  From “Top Chef” to Annapolis.  Celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio is fighting for a cause close to his heart. He spoke in front of Maryland lawmakers in hopes that all students have full stomachs.

Andrea Fujii has the story.

Frederick native Bryan Voltaggio is a world-renowned chef and finalist on season six of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

His passion is now at his hometown restaurants, Lunchbox and Volt, and also making sure children don’t go hungry.

“Nutrition is the most important thing that has to do with starting a child’s day at school,” said Voltaggio.

On Monday he testified in front of a House of Delegates subcommittee, supporting the governor’s 2013 budget that includes an additional $560,000 for school breakfasts.

Right now under the state-run program, 228 schools participate. The additional money would bring the total schools receiving breakfast to 274, but there are 780 schools statewide.

“Maryland families are struggling.  I know you have difficult economic decisions to make, but Maryland families are in fiscal crisis,” said Cathy Demeroto, Maryland Hunger Solutions.

Supporters say one in five Maryland families can’t provide enough food for the children.

Voltaggio testified that this funding is a good start, but a drop in the bucket.

“It bothers me that in a country with so much wealth, we can’t feed our own children,” said Voltaggio.

If the additional school breakfast is approved, it would help 20,000 more Maryland students.