Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, 3rd District, released the details and online application for the 3rd District Food for the Soul Program.

The program was established to improve the physical, social and emotional well being of people who have experienced homelessness by sponsoring community cultivation, distribution and preparation of fruits and vegetables, Kuehl said. The program awards grants in amounts between $5,000 and $20,000 to nonprofit organizations in the 3rd District that engage people who have experienced homelessness in local food movements and community agriculture, including gardening, nutrition and cooking activities.

An ideal program would both improve food security and strengthen community connections, she added.

Qualifying nonprofits can apply for grants of $5,000 to $20,000 to support the creation and on-going operation of fruit and vegetable cultivation programs. These programs can be sited at homeless shelters, transitional housing sites, supportive housing sites or other places where individuals and families who have experienced homelessness reside or seek services. The funds may be used for personnel, program operations, volunteer coordination, supplies and up to 10 percent for administration. Successful proposals will demonstrate how the program both increases food security and strengthens community connections, officials said.

Nonprofits interested in applying should visit supervisor-kuehl.com/foodforthesoul.