(Springfield, IL) — A group of Illinois lawmakers from both sides of the aisle wants to make a program that helps farmers and small food producers a permanent program. The Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program is awarding almost two million dollars in grants to 19 recipients across Illinois. There were 247 applicants who sought 23-and-a-half million dollars from the program. One producer in Southern Illinois who received a 150-thousand dollar grant says he’ll use his money to expand his operation and help his neighbors as well.