Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A major agriculture conference in Springfield was the setting Wednesday for the launch of a grant program called Farm to Food Bank. The $1.5 million program is meant to make it easier for farmers to get their goods to food banks – and for people who need fresh food to get easier access to it.

Michelle Hansen (pictured, left), manager of the Emergency Food Assistance Program for the Illinois Department of Human Services; and Sharon Dodd (pictured, right), administering the grant for Feeding Illinois, announced the program Wednesday.

“We’re really looking for farmers, ag producers, food banks, food pantries, community partners, all looking to help with that infrastructure,” said Dodd. “After working with the Farm to Food Bank program, there were definitely roadblocks with capacity and infrastructure in getting food that wasn’t going to market into food banks, so it also helps with food waste. So, it’s a win-win.”

“When food grown in Illinois stays in Illinois, everyone benefits,” Feeding Illinois executive director Steve Ericson said in a news release. “These investments help us move more Illinois-originated foods where they’re needed most, while supporting local farmers and strengthening our state’s food system for the future.”

The application window is Feb. 6 through March 8.