The state is giving nearly $4.5 million to eight food banks across Illinois for modernization.
Gov. Pat Quinn announced the money Wednesday. His office says the food banks help nearly 2 million people.
The money comes from a capital fund.
The food banks are located in areas including around Chicago, Peoria and Rockford.
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The state money will be used to buy software and computer equipment. The food banks will put in money for training on new digital record keeping. The idea is to reduce paper and improve efficiency. State officials tried out the new system with a pilot program at Chicago food area pantries this year.
Feeding Illinois is the association that runs the food banks. The group's president says the money is a step forward in helping hungry people.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
