New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg may not like fancy food but that doesn't mean he doesn't like the role it can play in ending hunger for New York's children.

Last Sunday night Mayor Bloomberg attended the 14th annual Autumn Harvest benefit for Share Our Strength hosted by restaurateur Danny Meyer, and made possible by the generosity of six great participating chefs from around the country.

As usual, Danny was savvy enough to know in advance the mayor's likes and dislikes. Instead of serving him the Japanese Pen Shell with Pickled Ramps and Mussel-Saffron Sauce, or the Hamachi with Cauliflower Crème and Roasted Baby Abalone that the rest of us enjoyed, the mayor made do with only a chopped salad and a small bowl of popcorn.

But Bloomberg, along with his companion Diane Taylor and first deputy mayor Patti Harris, stayed for more than three hours. Most important, his remarks were an eloquent reflection of the commitment demonstrated by his administration to improving access for all New Yorkers to effective anti-hunger programs. The Mayor boasted that New York Schools serve 850,000 meals a day, and that they exceed USDA standards. He explained reforms to ensure that food stamp offices stay open later and on Saturdays, and the effort to support more greenmarkets that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Reminding his listeners that "children don't vote," Bloomberg urged their support for nonprofit organizations because "hungry families rely on nonprofits for their support, and nonprofits rely for their support on Share Our Strength."