Legislation that seeks to transform school meals in large part by adding more fruits and vegetables has passed U.S. Congress.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act has been approved by the House of Representatives in the U.S., paving the way for President Obama to sign the legislation.

The $4.5 billion child nutrition bill will improve the quality of food in cafeterias and increase the number of children who are eligible for the federal free and reduced school lunch program.

The bill will also support farmers through Farm to School programs, address skyrocketing obesity rates, and feed more hungry children.

Once standards are established, opportunities for fresh fruits and vegetables at schools will expand significantly.

“Today, we celebrate a truly historic moment. We thank the sponsors of this legislation for providing leadership and including a first-time investment in Farm to School programs in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Funding this innovative and effective program will benefit America’s children and farmers through providing healthy foods and creating new markets,” stated Anupama Joshi, Co-Director of the National Farm to School Network.

However, the new act will be partly funded by cutting food stamps.  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that they will be working to  restore food stamp funding and protect federal nutrition programs from further cuts.