WARREN, Ohio - A Warren meat processor is getting some state funding to help the local meat supply chain.

Premium Meats Inc. on Logan Avenue has been awarded $250,000 in state grant money from the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program. It's part of an effort to help expand capacity and meet growing demands for meat processing services.

This is the third round of grants given to meat processors around the state.

"We wanted to make sure that all meat processors in the state had an opportunity to benefit from this grant program, so we allocated more funding," said Governor Mike DeWine. "These grants don't just benefit the processors. They also benefit Ohio families who will find more meat products available to them at the store."

Premium Meats is one of 12 Ohio processors to receive the funds this time around.

In total, the state has given nearly $28 million to meat processors since round one.

 "These grants help food processors invest in new machinery and technology that can deliver more food, less expensively," said Lt. Governor Husted. "This results in a new level of productivity that benefits the consumer with lower prices, business with more production, and the workforce with higher pay."

The money goes toward implementing processing efficiencies, expanding or constructing facilities at existing sites, assisting in training and certification, and improving harvest services.

Premium Meats will receive half of their $250,000 before starting the projects they have planned and the second half of the funds after showing that the initial money was spent on eligible costs.