WASHINGTON – As federal legislators continue talks to revamp school lunch guidelines this week, one program – the USDA’s “Farm to School Grant Program” – is touting success encouraging better nutrition for students while also giving a boost to ranchers and farmers.

According to a new report released by the USDA, the Farm to School Grant Program has helped 12,300 schools improve nutritious meal options with local ingredients for 6.9 million students while also giving a boost to farmers in their communities.