The Ontario government is promising $24 million over the next three years to have provincial institutions buy and serve more locally grown foods.

The money will be used to help Ontario farmers get their fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products into schools, jails, hospitals and food service companies, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Monday.

"Whatever we can do here to promote our foods is better for our economy," McGuinty told reporters.

McGuinty acknowledged this will mean additional costs for institutions in the public sector, but said the province is willing to pick up the difference.

He also said it won't mean all imported fruits and vegetables can be replaced.

Ontario's agriculture and food industry contributes about $33 billion to the province's economy and employs more than 700,000 people, according to the government.